A £15m transformation of city docks that date back to 1765 has been given the go-ahead.

Liverpool’s Canning Quaysides and Dry Docks will be revamped as part of the Waterfront Transformation Project by National Museums Liverpool (NML).

The south dry dock, built more than 250 years ago, will become accessible to the public for the first time.

The project, set to begin construction in autumn 2024, has been described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Architects Asif Khan Studio and internationally renowned artist Theaster Gates will change Canning Dock into what has been described as a space for education, contemplation and recreation.

As part of the plans, supported by a £10m contribution from the government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up fund, a new stop wall will be built behind the existing timber gates in the south dry dock.

A staircase and lift will let visitors go down into the dock for the first time.

The area was used to clean and repair ships, including those that were destined to traffic enslaved people across the Atlantic.