The British Music Experience’s (BME) new home has been set an opening date of 11 February 2017 amid plans to position itself as one of the UK’s most prominent and compelling music attractions.

Liverpool – musically famous for giving the world The Beatles – will host the BME, which moves from its home at the O2 arena in London following a five-year run.

Making its new home in the iconic Grade II-listed Cunard Building, the experience will offer an extensive collection of music and more than 600 artefacts paying homage to the impact British music has had on culture, fashion, art and politics.

TBL International – operator of the award-winning Titanic Belfast attraction – will take charge of the experience, which covers 16,000sq ft (1,500sq m) and includes eight interactive spaces exploring a variety of music genres dating back to 1945.

The BME Trust brings both a physical and digital collection valued at more than £5m (US$6.5m, €5.8m). Additionally, the trust has invested a further £2.6m (US$3.4m, €3m) into the project, with a £2.6m grant also coming from the Regional Growth Fund.

“Music is inherent and entwined with Liverpool’s history, present and future,” said Tim Husbands, BME chief executive.

“By capitalising on the UNESCO City of Music and Liverpool’s existing tourism platforms, together, with the project’s stakeholders, we will deliver a unique and successful visitor attraction.”

When open, the site will create 35 full-time jobs and is forecast to bring in around 200,000 visitors a year.