Museum move hit by firm's 'winding up petition'

Christ Church in Maryport is due to be home to the town's Maritime Museum

The relocation of a museum to a listed church has been pushed back months after issues with the firm carrying out refurbishment work.

Aura Heritage was appointed to refit Christ Church in Maryport ahead of it becoming home to the town's Maritime Museum.

But Cumberland Council has confirmed the contract with Aura has been terminated and it is now working to appoint a different contractor.

It is understood the issues arise from a winding up petition applied for against the Cheshire-based company last month.

A notice was published on 14 June in The Gazette - the official public record - stating that commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs had filed the petition.

The BBC has approached Aura Heritage for comment.

Delays

Christ Church is being renovated with a £1m grant from the Future High Streets fund.

The Maritime Museum, which is currently operating from temporary premises on Senhouse Street, was due to open at its new home this summer.

A spokesman for Cumberland Council confirmed the date had now been pushed back to early 2025.

He said: "The contract was terminated on 14 June 2024. The previous contractor was not in a position to complete the contracted works under the existing contract.

"We’re aiming to have a new contractor in a place within the next few weeks."

As part of the funding terms, work must be completed by March 2025.

The spokesman said: "The works are at an advanced state and we are confident that the overall work programme will be completed within the funding timeframes."

The church had been shut for some years when work started on it last June.

The Gothic-style building was listed in 2020 by Historic England and a painting of it by LS Lowry sold for £81,000 in 2020.

Thomas Ismay, founder of the White Star Line which launched Titanic, paid for the church's clock in 1879.