LCT 7074: D-Day landing craft vessel outside D-Day Story museum in Southsea will 'definitely' open to visitors by the end of this year
AN 'AMAZING' D-Day vessel will 'definitely' open to the public by the end of this year - following delays caused by the pandemic.
The only remaining landing craft tank used in Operation Overlord - the LCT 7074 - will open to visitors 'sooner rather than later' following its £4.7m restoration and relocation outside the D-Day Story museum in Southsea.
Originally it had been planned she would be ready as an attraction for the October half term.
During a virtual culture and leisure meeting today Jane Mee, Portsmouth council's museums and visitor services manager, said: 'Obviously plans have been affected by Covid. The original report talks about October date.
'She will definitely be open by the end of the year, hopefully sooner rather than later. But we don't want to commit to any dates.'
Two new members of staff hired specifically for the attraction have started working at the D-Day Story. It is also planned the cost of the museum ticket will increase to incorporate the LCT.
Ms Mee added: 'We are also bringing back the D-Day volunteers because we need to familiarise them with the LCT and the Covid-19 measures to protect themselves and others. Some of the volunteers have been desperate to get back.
'Still have to finalise the number of people can be allowed on board at any one time.
'We are very interested in a joint ticket with the Historic Dockyards.'
SEE ALSO: 18 pictures of LCT7074 being moved
Councillors were unanimous in their support for the scheme.
Councillor Frank Jonas said: 'I was able to have a tour of the LCT and it was phenomenal, there's no other way about it. I think it's going to be a terrific attraction.’
Cllr Stephen Morgan agreed. 'It's such a fitting tribute to those who served in D-Day and a fantastic asset to our city,' he said.
The council's culture boss, Cllr Steve Pitt, commented: 'We should place on record a huge congratulations to everyone who has been involved in getting here to this point. It's going to be an amazing visitor experience.'
The craft took its place in the city in August and was brought up to Clarence Esplanade on a barge.
Two Second World War tanks were since lowered onto the craft as part of the attraction.