Puppets Community

This is a typical barge interior space which could be converted into a Puppet Theatre

The type of vessel we intended to convert from 2004-2007 was a Dutch Barge, this business plan is still very much achievable, although the large tidal range of the Tyne means that smaller vessels result in very steep gangway angles.

At the time we made representations to the Local Authorities that the Quayside pontoons installed for the Tall Ships Festival of 2005 should be retained as community facilities, however the pontoons and their important wheelchair access were dismantled after the Tall Ship fleet sailed off.

Pontoons which rise and fall with the tide are desirable for Quayside access to medium sized vessels 80-140ft (24-42m) and essential for public access to all smaller vessels. Maritime regeneration of the miles of unused regional quaysides relied upon these pontoons being re-installed. Larger vessels, over 140ft (+42m) are tall enough to allow a variety of gangway landing heights.

Ex-commercial barges would have carried 250-300 tons

and are large enough for two bus, to be placed end-to-end in their hold.