HMS Courageous could be opened to the public

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Aformer nuclear hunter-killer submarine which is to be the centrepiece of a new Cold War museum in Plymouth could be opened to the public as early as next year - but a visitor centre could take up to a decade to finish.Those were the conclusions from a report into the feasibility of a Cold War centre in Devonport’ s South Yard, recently presented to the National Museum Royal Navy (NMRN) Board of Trustees.

The report, funded by around £40,000 in donations, has deemed that HMS Courageous is the most suitable submarine to be considered for long term preservation, while Bonaventure House in SouthYard would be the best site for a visitor centre.

The following update is from the Cold War Centre and HMS Courageous November Newsletter...

HMS Courageous loading weapons.

In what is the most comprehensive piece of work yet done to examine the issues associated with the long term preservation of a nuclear submarine for display to the public, the study has employed rigorous analysis techniques and been peer reviewed by recognised experts in the field of submarine, nuclear, business and museum disciplines.

Working closely with MoD, Devonport Naval Base and other key stakeholders such as the Courageous Volunteer Group, the study has concluded that the project is both feasible and achievable. By tapping into the 5 million plus visitors to Plymouth each year, the study has demonstrated that a visitor attraction could be sustainable and of interest to a wide cross section of the public. In particular, a focus on STEM and support to the burgeoning blue-tech industries in Plymouth would give the Centre an important societal role. In summary, it has concluded that: * HMS Courageous is the most suitable candidate to be considered for long term preservation. * 1 Dock together with Bonaventure House in SouthYard,Devonport,would be the optimum location to house the Cold War Centre. * Courageous could be dry docked in a restored 1 Dock within 4-5 years with no alterations required to the boat or dock. * Once renovated, Bonaventure House would host the Devonport Historic Naval Collection alongside the Cold War Centre.

The conclusions were recently presented to the National Museum Royal Navy (NMRN) Board of Trustees.The Board was impressed with the work that had been done and agreed to support the first phase of an implementation programme that aimed to place Courageous in a permanent facility in 1 Dock, SouthYard, with a visitor centre located close by in a

At Devonport Naval Base.

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Photo copyright NavyBooks

restored Bonaventure House. In essence, this first phase will see Courageous re-open to the public in 3 Basin following her current maintenance period (around Easter 2022) whilst detailed work is undertaken to establish a business case to enable a decision to be made on the future phases.This initial phase which could last up to 5 years will also allow time for funds to be raised (estimated at circa £15m) and detailed infrastructure plans to be agreed. Assuming a successful outcome to Phase 1, the Cold War Centre (likely under a different name by then) could be fully open within 10 years.

The agreement by NMRN to accept the challenge of placing the UK’ s only preserved nuclear submarine on permanent display to the public represents a very significant step forward in the long road towards what many had thought an impossible dream. By addressing the issues such as ownership of the vessel and at what point she may go for eventual disposal, the ProjectTeam has provided NMRN with the means to mitigate the key risks that have always placed success for this project just out of reach. Equally, as a respected national organisation, NMRN’ s ownership and leadership of this project has been crucial in winning the support of both MoD and Plymouth City Council to preserve Courageous and make the CWC feasible.

However, whilst a credible 10 year plan has been mapped out that everyone agrees is feasible, it would be wrong to think that it will now just happen. NMRN must be comfortable that it can create and sustain a going concern that can form part of its national offering linking digitally with other museums (Chatham, Hartlepool, Portsmouth and Gosport) that it manages whilst also fitting in with the local heritage scene in Plymouth.The City Council has indicated its intent to integrate the CWC into its strategic plan for Plymouth and work closely with NMRN.The next step is to agree a detailed programme of work with the NMRN ExecutiveTeam to cover Phase 1 involving the CourageousVolunteer Group (without which the project would not have been possible), the Naval Base and other local stakeholders to ensure that it is a success. It is expected that NMRN will appoint a senior member of staff to lead the project and to press ahead with the early priorities.These will no doubt include the creation of an improved website, booking arrangements and administration of visitors, closely followed by 3D virtual reality mapping of the interior of the boat and recording of the experiences of Cold War veterans.

Clearly, there is still a lot to do before the dream of permanent display of the UK’ s only preserved nuclear submarine becomes a reality. However, there is now more reason than ever to be optimistic that it will happen.

HMS Courageous at sea.

For further details contact: Commander IanWhitehouse - ian@fradds.co.uk