A historic barge has left Brighton Marina as it undergoes renovation to become housing for NHS workers.
The 102-year-old barge, previously the home of a Chinese restaurant, was put up for sale earlier this year in the hope of finding a new owner.
However, after nearly seven months of work, the barge has been towed from the harbour bound for Battersea where it will be permanently moored on the River Thames.
The vessel will be converted into accommodation for NHS workers to provide an affordable place for them to live.
Bystanders watched in awe as the vessel set off on its journey through the English Channel to reach the capital with help from the tug Bostonian.
Tim Kingston, a broker with Boatshed Brighton - which spearheaded the campaign for the barge’s future, said: “Brighton people care about this boat even if they haven’t used it.
“Even though we are losing her from Brighton, she will get the same kind of love on the Thames.
“Instead of her being scrapped, she will be repurposed and upcycled. I am very happy with the outcome.”
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The boat, built in 1921, was originally named the Selby Virgo and used as a Humber barge to transport grain up and down waterways in the north of England.
The barge then became a fixture of Brighton Marina as a floating Chinese restaurant called The Pagoda from 1995.
After the vessel was sold in 2016, it became a community space run by arts and environmental charity ONCA, hosting a not-for-profit community and youth club.
After initially being listed for £75,000 on Rightmove in November last year, the decision was made to give the boat away for free to a suitable owner, who was selected following an open day.
Some took to social media to share their excitement at the news of the barge’s future home earlier this week.
“What a lovely and exciting home that will be once it is converted. Battersea will be a great location to live in,” one said.
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