Ss robin rescue plea to crossrail

Co-founder David Kampfner said: “People regard it as a mad idea when we suggest it. But it was a mad idea to put the Cutty Sark in the middle of Greenwich, and to put a giant fairground wheel near City Hall.

“To have the SS Robin sitting on top of a 21st century high-speed rail station would symbolise centuries of trade and pioneering engineering.”

The trust has already pitched the idea to Crossrail as part of the medium-term future for the ship. But its immediate future will be under threat if it does not succeed in its bid for £3million in Heritage Lottery funding next month.

The funds would be used to repair the hull and to fund an on-board education programme on energy, engineering and heritage.

Mr Kampfner said: “It has taken three years, but I think we’ve drawn up a good bid. Even if we’re successful, we have to raise 30 per cent in match funding ourselves. And for us to find £1m is just huge.

“We’re looking for a major industrial partner who sees the benefits of the educational programme we’re developing here.”

The SS Robin has won the right to remain in West India Dock while the waterway is drained for construction of the Crossrail station.

Hull repairs must be completed in time for the ship to return before the likely start of work in mid-2009, when it will be sealed in for five years.

The Trust is calling on supporters to help secure the future of the ship by signing a petition at www.ssrobin.com.

Mr Kampfner said: “We’re close to either establishing a great new London landmark or scrapping the ship entirely. That danger has never been closer than it is now.”

Story written by John Hill
john.hill@wharf.co.uk