Trust Secures £1 Million for Groundbreaking Project

This significant investment marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Trust, focused on innovative storytelling, education, research and engagement.

• £705,000 secured from Philip Nicholas Trust to reimagine the Dockyard Museum as part of a major reinterpretation of the historic site
• £245,000 awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for bold new community-led heritage initiative
• Trust continues to actively fundraise for the completion of the new museum
• Signals a visionary new direction for the Trust under CEO Andrew Edwards, marking his first year in post

The funding will drive forward a complete reimagining of the Dockyard Museum and the launch of a pioneering community engagement programme, positioning the SS Great Britain Trust as a leader in participatory heritage practice.

A major new museum

At the heart of the site’s transformation is the redevelopment of the Dockyard Museum, which leads audiences onto the historic vessel. Designed as an immersive experience, the new museum will explore how the SS Great Britain changed the world, illuminating the journeys of over 30,000 passengers and crew who travelled aboard the ship between 1845 and 1886.

The SS Great Britain Trust is actively fundraising to complete the transformational project, having already secured £800,000 from the Philip Nicholas Trust and the Headley Trust for the redevelopment. This exciting opportunity will ensure the museum reflects the global and personal stories surrounding the ship with greater insight, accuracy, and relevance and attract new audiences to the landmark heritage site.

Reimagining heritage through community-led research strategy

Global Voyages, a major new community-led project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund will directly inform the redevelopment of the Dockyard Museum, placing Bristol’s richly diverse communities at the heart of shaping the stories we tell. Opening the archives of the Trust, the project will ensure the narratives told across the visitor experience are discovered with the people and cultures the ship has touched, including those historically underrepresented in heritage spaces. The project will include a new community hub, dedicated Community History Curator post, and multiple pathways for community members to join the organisation as researchers and as advisory group members.  Each step will better embed community voices into the planning of the new museum and beyond. These vital steps will ensure that community-led discoveries and curation become a permanent part of the Trust’s work.

Chair of SS Great Britain Trust Matthew Jones said, “The SS Great Britain is far more than a site of historic importance; it is a vital part of Bristol’s cultural fabric. This much-loved maritime landmark has helped shape the identity of the city and continues to bring communities together. I’m therefore delighted to see the SS Great Britain embracing bold new directions and exploring the evolving role that heritage sites can play in our future.”

CEO Andrew Edwards, who was appointed in June 2024, said, “Bristol is a city shaped by global journeys, and so is the SS Great Britain. This is not only about a funding milestone; it’s about creating opportunities for the discovery of new stories and ideas. By working side-by-side with Bristol residents, we can ensure the Dockyard Museum, and all our storytelling and research reflects not only the ship’s international journeys, but the lived experiences and perspectives of the city today.

This funding is a major step forward in making the SS Great Britain a truly shared space for heritage that attracts new and diverse audiences for generations to come.  Our heartfelt thanks go to the Philip Nicholas Trust, the Headley Trust and the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their generous support”

The SS Great Britain’s Community Advisory Group said, “By having a permanent community space, there is more confidence about sharing perspectives, and that the SS Great Britain can reflect the diversity of Bristol. Building and sharing a dedicated space allows us to create our own heritage at the SS Great Britain, which can last for future generations.”

Dr Sam Willis award-winning historian, archaeologist and broadcaster, and Trustee of the Philip Nicholas Charitable Trust said, “We’re thrilled to invest in this significant project, which will deepen the stories told about those who travelled and worked aboard the SS Great Britain throughout its remarkable history. Authentic storytelling allows us to better understand ourselves by reflecting on the past. Philip Nicholas was deeply passionate about maritime history, and we are delighted that his name and legacy will be associated with this exciting development.”