"The museum complements the historic waterfront. There is no threat to the World Heritage status. We have been given an indication that the committee is happy with the museum.
"The museum, which will open in 2010, will be a brilliant learning and recreational resource for the local community and visitors alike."
Work started earlier this month on one of the biggest-ever archaeological digs in Liverpool's history, to excavate an ancient lock and dock on the site, before work on the new building begins.
Campaigners last night renewed their demands for work to be stopped immediately, until July next year, when World Heritage officials will meet to discuss the impact of the building on the historic waterfront.
A delegation came to the city to look at the impact the building would have on the World Heritage status.
Wayne Colquhoun, from the Liverpool Preservation Trust, which wrote to Unesco calling for it to intervene, said: "They would be really stupid to go ahead with this. Unesco has not come back with its final report and that could be really serious stuff.
"Do we really want to put our World Heritage status at risk? This could be one big white elephant."
The Museum of Liverpool is tipped to be one of the world's leading city history museums, reflecting Liverpool's global significance through its unique geography, history and culture
More than 750,000 visits a year are expected to tour exhibits to be split into four themes - Port City, Global City, People's City and Creative City.
Director Carole Souter said: "We're delighted to be able to support this ambitious project which will bring the city's complex story to life."
Last night Martin King, Director of Tourism at the region's designated Tourist Board, The Mersey Partner-ship, said: "Museum of Liverpool will be a world-class attraction, appealing to visitors and Merseysiders alike.
Steven Broomhead, Northwest Regional Development Agency chief executive, said: "We are pleased to support a landmark building, which will make a spectacular addition to the Mersey Waterfront."
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