The Bristol site where the steamship (SS) Great Britain is docked will be changing its name to Bristol Dockyards, ahead of the re-opening of the revamped and expanded museum in July. The new name is intended to reflect the long-term ambition of the SS Great Britain Trust, the charity that runs the site, to transform the attraction into a broader cultural and learning campus encompassing the adjacent Great Western and Albion dockyards.
A statement from the organisation in early June explained that: “The steamship Great Britain remains at the heart of our charity’s purpose and all the work that we deliver. The ship’s name is not changing – instead, our organisational name is changing to Bristol Dockyards. This name change allows us to grow as a heritage site and ensures we can remain taking care of the ship for years to come.”
The revamped and expanded Bristol Dockyards museum will have interactive exhibitions, digital recreations, historic artefacts, and new community-led research that uncovers voices and stories from SS Great Britain’s 41 years of service.
Future phases of the redevelopment will focus on conservation work, re-establishing the Albion dock as a working dockyard for maritime skills training opportunities, and broadening its programming to “reflect the interests of a modern, diverse Bristol”. The project is scheduled to be completed in time to mark the 60th anniversary of the ship’s return to Bristol from the Falkland Islands in 2030.
Further details here: Home – SS Great Britain
Industrial Heritage Networks 