Aura starts Maryport Maritime Museum project 

Funded through the government’s Future High Streets programme, the scheme will see the grade two-listed Christ Church on King Street transformed. 

Cheadle-based Aura Heritage has been appointed to deliver the new Maryport Maritime Museum. 

Allerdale Council acquired the church in 2020 before winning more than £1m of government funding for its conversion. The newly formed Cumberland Council is now picking up the project following local government reorganisation.  

Planning permission for the change from church to museum, a scheme designed by Buttress Architects, was granted in 2022. 

Scaffolding has gone up so repairs can be made to the building’s exterior, while the interior will be converted to house the Maritime Museum collections and other exhibitions. 

The new attraction is expected to open to the public in spring 2024 while the former Maritime Museum in Senhouse Street is being converted into Shipping Brow Gallery, by local contractor Stobbarts. 

That scheme is due to open its doors this summer.  

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said the project could “help put Maryport on the map.” 

“It will give so much more prominence to this town’s fascinating history, bring a beautiful building back to life, and give locals an asset to be proud of, as well as ensuring visitors have even more reasons to come here.”  

Peter Stevenson, chair of the Maryport Maritime Heritage group, added: “We’re really looking forward to everything that Christ Church has to offer to showcase Maryport’s fascinating sea-faring heritage. 

“It’s a beautiful building and will give us so much more space for displays and exhibitions. We’re excited about this new era for the museum.”