Plans for ferry's floating bar take step forward

An historic ferry vessel, like the one above, could be transformed into a floating entertainment venue

Plans to transform a historic ferry into a floating bar and restaurant have moved one step closer.

The MV Royal Daffodil, which took thousands of passengers across the River Mersey, connecting Liverpool and Wirral for six decades, is set to turn into a floating entertainment venue.

Liverpool Council gave the go-ahead last summer for the ferry to be anchored at Canning Dock, and now licensing applications are underway.

It is expected the ship will now be used for a mixture of uses for events such as corporate events, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and live music.

'Live music'

The boat's lower deck could also be changed into a boutique “once other uses become established and successful”, according to planning documents.

Josh Boyd and Philip Borg-Olivier, the former Brookside actor who played Tim O'Leary, are fronting the project.

Five years on from initial proposals being submitted, the directors are taking their plans to to the city’s licensing authority to secure a premises licence.

A licence to welcome guests from 8am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and until 2am Friday to Sunday is being sought.

As well as alcohol to be served on the premises from 11am to 11pm weekdays and until 2am on weekends, with similar terms for any performances - live music would be played from midday until 11pm.

'Vessel admiration'

The MV Royal Daffodil, once known as MV Overchurch, was decommissioned and after falling into disrepair, plans for a redesign of the historic vessel were signed off.

Having originally been submitted in 2019, fresh designs were put forward to reimagine the ferry into a restaurant, bar and event space last summer.

Mr Boyd told last summer’s planning committee plans were afoot for a 126-cover restaurant and was conscious of its presence at Canning Dock.

He said: “There is a huge regard and admiration for this vessel so it is important to create a scheme which stands up to the quality of the waterfront in Liverpool.”

The vessel has undergone refurbishment at Garston dock, having fallen into a dilapidated condition.

Those who wish to comment on the proposals can do so via the Liverpool Council website until 6 July.