THE team behind York's Arts Barge project have today completed the purchase of their vessel.
Selby Tony, a 103ft barge, will now undergo restoration work before moving into its new home on the River Ouse in York next year.
The project raised £25,000 and bought the barge today in Swinton. Some work will be carried out there and then the remaining work in the Foss Basin. The barge will then be homed on the Ouse in York city centre. It was originally planned to moor the barge beside the Bonding Warehouse and Skeldergate Bridge, but other sites are now being considered, including beside North Street Gardens.
Marcia Mackey, director of the Arts Barge project, said they hoped to be open by September 2014. She said: "That may seem optimistic but that's what we are sticking to. The plans and drawings are in progress now and we will soon be able to show people what it will look like."
The Arts Barge will create a permanent floating venue for artists and musicians in York, following the success of short-term events to coincide with the Festival of Rivers in recent years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article