THE last Thames sailing barge ever made is poised to become a tearoom and arts venue moored off Maldon’s Hythe Quay.

Topsail Charters has applied for permission to allow the historic barge Resourceful to become a tourist attraction at Cooks shipyard.

The firm, which offers meals and trips aboard various vessels from its Hythe base, has applied to moor the barge as a tearoom, meeting room and occasionally an arts venue in the evenings.

A spokesman said: “As well as restoring her to her 1933 condition as a motor barge, Topsail hope to put Resourceful to work as a tearoom, visitor hub and small arts venue.

“For the last three winters, Topsail has run a very popular pop-up winter tearoom on board a barge, attracting over 26,000 visitors.

“The funds generated by Resourceful will be ploughed back into securing the future of the Topsail fleet and the yard itself and will continue Topsail’s support of the Live Local, Love Local campaign.”

The application won the support of Maldon Town Council, which backed it at a meeting on Monday night.

Councillors said it was a good way to bring more tourists to the area.

The final decision rests with Maldon District Council.

Maldon Town mayor, Richard Miller said: “I think it is an excellent idea to have another barge down at the Hythe first and foremost.

“Of course it is very important that we maintain the capacity to have the sailing barges down there that sail in and out regularly as well.

“If it is a project that is going to add to the general area and bring in tourists as well as offer local artists the opportunity to display their paintings and other works then I think it is a wonderful idea all round.” The venue could open in the New Year.