A new Beatles-themed attraction is set to be created in Liverpool.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak made the surprise announcement during his latest budget speech on Wednesday to great bemusement from within the city.
He claimed that the Liverpool-born culture secretary Nadine Dorries had helped secure the £2 million grant from the Government for the project.
But the pledge has been met with bemusement as the city already boasts several tributes to the Fab Four including The Beatles Story and Cavern Club.
Also announced by Sunak was £20 million worth of ‘Levelling Up’ funding for the Tate Liverpool in the Albert Dock and National Museums Liverpool.
He said: “We’re investing £800 million to protect local museums, libraries and culture.
“Thanks to the culture secretary, over 100 regional museums and libraries will be renovated, restored and revived.
“This will include up to £2 million to start work on a new Beatles attraction on the Liverpool waterfront.”
Reacting to the announcement, Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: “Liverpool is known around the world for its historic waterfront.
“But it is really important that it doesn’t stand still and we continue to invest in it.
“This announcement feels like a real line in the sand moment in the wake of UNESCO’s World Heritage decision, and we can now move forward and do things differently.
“This significant new pot of funding will make sure that our docks will continue to be a major draw for tourists and locals alike for many years to come.
“This city is synonymous with incredible music and The Pool will 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.
“National Museums Liverpool and Tate Liverpool are national institutions, with track records of successful delivery operating at a scale unique for cultural organisations outside London so we’re proud to have worked with them to help achieve this investment.
“Levelling Up is not just about transport – it’s about creativity, innovation and inspiration – three things Liverpool thrives on.”