As news of a new Mersey ferry to be built in 60 years was announced recently, a former such historic ferry is to receive a £2.5m project to transform the MV Royal Daffodil into a major destination set for completion in Summer, 2024.
The vessel launched locally by Cammell Laird, Birkenhead on the Wirral in April, 1962 as Overchurch, is to be simply renamed the Daffodil, with a new permanent home for the veteran on Liverpool’s waterfront. According to YM Liverpool, this involved planning granted for the vessel to berth at Canning Dock (see Irish schooner story) as part of the popular Royal Albert Dock.
For several years, the entrepreneur duo from Liverpool City Sights, Philip Olivier and Joshua Boyd have spent time working on the vessel on a venture which they say will become a valuable addition to the English north-west city.
This will be in the offering of a “first-rate food, drink and entertainment” venue and creating almost 100 local jobs on Merseyside, where the passenger/commuter ferry later excursion vessel, Afloat reported withdrawn in January, 2013 due to falling trade coupled with losses incurred by Mersey Ferries (Merseytravel).
The project’s transformation will include three outside sun decks, comprising the Promenade Deck, Daffodil Garden and Funnel Deck, where combined will give more than 66 covers.
On the Upper Deck, this is to feature a multifaceted space where clientele will have a choice of a café, cocktail and wine bar area with an all-day dining facility for 63 seated covers.
As for the Daffodil’s Main Deck there will be a larger area to cater for a 84-cover restaurant, whereas on the Lower Deck, this is to feature the Engine Room event space which will host live music and events for up to 240 people.
Overall the on board venue will have space for up to 560 guests at any one time.
Click here for a video courtesy of The Guide, Liverpool and an interview with Philip Olivier of Liverpool City Sights which acquired the vessel. He said the restoration /conversion project by Carmet also on the Wirral when completed is to see the vessel move across the river in July of next year.
According to the company’s blog, Daffodi will also have accommodation, as the vessel will have a hotel among its features.
To read much more, YM Liverpool has the story.
