Work on shelter in Portsmouth for last surviving D-Day craft just weeks away from completion
The specially made canopy for the last surviving landing craft tank - known as the LCT 7074 - used during the Second World War invasion of France 76 years ago is taking shape on Southsea seafront, in front of the D-Day Story museum.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOnce restoration work on the LCT 7074 is completed it will take pride of place under the shelter with plans to open it up to visitors of the museum.
Portsmouth City Council's culture boss, Councillor Steve Pitt, explained work on the site was now back on schedule following delays. He said: 'We did have to shut the site down because of lockdown and social distancing but it is now fully operational again and back on schedule for completion according to plan.
'I'm sure it will enhance the D-Day Story and make it even better than it already is.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad'We are all very excited to see it eventually come together.'
It comes as The News reported the Covid-19 outbreak had led to a £75,000 funding gap in restoration costs for the landing craft tank - although this won't affect the completion of the canopy.
Overall it is expected the whole project, which is being led by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, will cost £4.7m
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe craft is currently stored inside a shiphall at Portsmouth Naval Base, where refurbishment work has been carried out.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.
Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.