The DUKE of Lancaster’s owner says the vessel is currently trying to ‘reinvent’ itself.

John Rowley has owned the ship for over 50 years alongside business partner, Patricia Scott, and the help of his son, Antony.

John has revealed he is currently in discussions with Natural Resources Wales seeking a ‘marine licence’ which will enable the beach area by the ship to become functional at all stages of the tide.

Mr Rowley said: “That would be a boom for destination tourism from the sea as Llanerch y Mor has the biggest tidal range on the Dee estuary. It would bring into play many square miles of sheltered water in the estuary for recreational use.

“The yacht clubs on the Wirral have started visiting already but when the slipway is fully functional it will be mega plus an option for the RNLI to use."

The plans coincide with Flintshire Council’s proposed Coast Park Plan which has been backed by local councillors ahead of proposals being presented to Flintshire Council’s cabinet meeting next week; plans which John has described as “Something the Funship was all about over 40 years ago.”

Discussing the concept of a coast park in Flintshire, Access and Environment Manager Cllr Tom Woodall said: “It’s clear a coast park could demonstrate much benefit for Flintshire.”

Mr Rowley has expressed his ambitions for Llanerch y mor to be the key hub for the proposed plans and argued that the dock has the far superior potential along the river due to the car parks at The Funship, The Abakhans Craft Centre and the Old Tavern which is situated opposite to the ship.

The Duke of Lancaster’s popularity has never been so high as the iconic Flintshire landmark has caught the attention of filming companies, most recently in the form of ITV as they used the location as the backdrop for the HMT Windrush in an upcoming drama starring Sir Lenny Henry.

Over the past 12 months, the ship has trialled events in order to logistically judge the Duke’s ability to cope with high volumes of visitors. These events have included a food market, a wrestling show, and a Christmas fair.

The trials were a success and attention has now turned to staging a music festival next year, with festival organisers ‘chomping at the bit’ for a 2023 show.

The reinvention of the ship doesn’t stop there, as the concept of becoming a wedding venue is something very much on the table as the unique setting’s views are unrivalled across the estuary to the Wirral peninsular and out to the Irish Sea.

There is much to be excited about with regards to the future of the Duke of Lancaster. The ambitious plans to evolve the famous landmark will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local economy and community with the proposals to become a venue for a range of events and exhibitions certainly something to keep an eye on.

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