Shed space still not enough for Sutton Hoo replica

The replica of the boat is currently being built in The Longshed in Woodbridge

Volunteers say there is "still not enough space" to complete a faithful replica of an Anglo-Saxon ship despite a lease renewal promising more room.

The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (SHSC) has been using The Longshed in Woodbridge, Suffolk, for the £1.5m reconstruction of a replica of the boat, but said limited space meant they may not be able to complete the project.

The group was told they would need to cut their use of the building back to 40% in an agreement expiring on 13 July.

However, Pat Clark, chair of the Woodbridge Riverside Trust, said the project could now use "at least 75% of the ground floor".

Jacq Barnard, project manager of SHSC, says there is "still not enough space"

Volunteers began the design phase of the project to reconstruct the 88ft (27m) boat in 2016, using original craft methods.

The group was originally restricted to using 40% of the building, but Woodbridge Town Council allowed them 55% when it required more space.

Jacq Barnard, project manager of SHSC, said the ship was "bigger" than the 40% use of the building.

The original Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo is believed to have been the resting site of King Raedwald

'Lease renewal'

She previously told the BBC that moving the project would be "a tragedy" as it would need to be taken out through the front of the building and on to the river, which was expensive.

Pat Clark, chair of the Woodbridge Riverside Trust, said: "In keeping with the terms of the lease for The Longshed, Woodbridge Town Council (the owner of the building) has granted a renewal of the original side letter to the lease, amended to allow flexibility in how much space Woodbridge Riverside Trust can allocate to an individual project."

She added: "In practice, this gives The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company at least 75% of the ground floor in which to build the replica ship."

"Additional space can be allocated as and when deemed necessary and by agreement."