Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has announced plans for another Beatles attraction in Liverpool called ‘The Pool’ as part of the 2021 Budget.
Sunak pledged up to £2m as part of his 2021 Budget, which will enable the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to develop plans for the immersive attraction.
Liverpool is already home to Beatles offerings including The Beatles Story, Cavern Club and Liverpool Beatles Museum.
Liverpool’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram told BBC Radio Merseyside (via BBC): “We think The Beatles are a huge global attraction for the UK, and we should have something of significance in the Liverpool city region.”
“We want something other than just looking at old artefacts, you know, John Lennon’s underpants in a glass case, we want something that people will be attracted to,” Rotheram added.
The Beatles attraction would be named The Pool and would be “an immersive experience” rather than a museum, Rotheram said.
£2m to develop plans for attraction
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said the venue would “create a world-class visitor attraction, a blueprint for the future of music education but most importantly it will create opportunities and joy for the people of this city”.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries wrote on Twitter: “Oh! Darling. The government has Come Together to invest £2 million into a major new Beatles attraction.
“With a Little Help from My Friends at @hmtreasury and taxpayers support, we’re getting the waterfront development in Liverpool going. That’s something to Twist and Shout about.”
The project is part of an £850 million investment in museums, galleries, libraries and local culture across the UK.
“Levelling up is also about protecting our unique culture and heritage,” Sunak said. “The British Museum, Tate Liverpool, the York Railway Museum, we’re investing £850m to protect museums, galleries, libraries, and local culture.”
“And thanks to the Culture Secretary, over 100 regional museums and libraries will be renovated, restored and revived,” he added. “And she’s secured up to £2m to start work on a new Beatles attraction on the Liverpool waterfront.”
