Work on shelter in Portsmouth for last surviving D-Day craft just weeks away from completion

A NEW shelter in Portsmouth designed to house a one-of-a-kind D-Day craft could be completed in a matter of weeks after work was temporarily held up by the coronavirus pandemic.
By Fiona Callingham
Published 17th Jun 2020, 16:02 BST
Updated 17th Jun 2020, 16:21 BST
Building frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, in Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanBuilding frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, in Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Building frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, in Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

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.

Once 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.

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Plea for last £75,000 to restore D-Day craft
The LCT 7074 pictured as it is currently. Picture: The National Museum of the Royal NavyThe LCT 7074 pictured as it is currently. Picture: The National Museum of the Royal Navy
The LCT 7074 pictured as it is currently. Picture: The National Museum of the Royal Navy
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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.

'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.

Building frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanBuilding frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Building frame under development which will hold a Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074 when it is restored outside D-Day Story, Southsea. Pictured on 17 June 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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Overall it is expected the whole project, which is being led by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, will cost £4.7m

The craft is currently stored inside a shiphall at Portsmouth Naval Base, where refurbishment work has been carried out.

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Related topics:WorkPortsmouthSteve PittLCTSouthseaFrance

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