A historic boat with over a century of history is to leave Brighton Marina to become housing for key workers.

The 100-year-old barge, previously the home of a Chinese restaurant, has been on sale earlier this year in the hope of finding a new use for the boat outside of the city.

Now, after nearly seven months of work, the boat will be moved to Battersea to a permanent berth on the River Thames. It will then be converted into accommodation for NHS workers to provide an affordable place for them to live.

Tim Kingston, a broker with Boatshed Brighton who have spearheaded the campaign for the boat’s future, said: “Brighton people care about this boat even if they haven’t used it. She is a fixture of the Marina and she will be appreciated and well-used.

“Even though we are losing her from Brighton she will the same kind of love on the Thames.

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“Instead of her being scrapped she will be re-purposed and upcycled. I’m very happy with the outcome.”

The barge, originally named the Selby Virgo, was first used to transport grain in the North of England. More recently, the boat became a fixture of the marina as Chinese restaurant called The Pagoda in 1995.

After being sold in 2016, the barge became a community space for a number of years, hosting a not-for-profit community and youth hub.

After initially being listed for £75,000 on Rightmove in November 2022, the decision was made to give the boat away for free to a suitable owner, who was selected following an open day.

After the news was announced on social media many people shared their excitement at the news.

One commenter wrote: “What a lovely and exciting home that will be once it is converted. Battersea will be a great location to live in.”

Another added: “Great news that the barge will live on and provide a home for some people, brilliant.”