Resurgam submarine restored by conservationists in Woodside

The first phase of a major renovation programme at the Woodside area of Birkenhead, which includes the Woodside Ferry Terminal, has just been completed by the partnership of heritage preservationists Curtis Painting Group and Woodside Area Community Interest Company.

Work by the Curtis team of specialists included renovation of the submarine Resurgam which, standing on the Woodside concourse, is a reminder of one of the most intriguing tales of seagoing exploits on Merseyside.

This full-size replica of the original Resurgam, the world’s first mechanically-propelled submarine, has captivated the interest of Woodside’s visitors since it joined the exhibit of the German submarine U-534 also on display at the terminal site as part of the U-Boat Story tourist attraction.

Dave McCormick, project manager at Curtis Painting Group, said: “The ferry terminal is such an iconic building on the Mersey landscape and preserving historic buildings such as this along with artefacts like the Resurgam, prolonging their life for many more years to come, serves a number of purposes.

Sharon Stanton and Dave McCormick by the Resurgam submarine at Woodside

“The terminal building with its ornate ironwork and the 45-foot wooden-clad submarine are not only at the heart of the local community - and its future economic development - but also their stories are an important record of the region’s history over the past 200 years and a way of keeping it alive for future generations.

“However, their prominent positions on a seafront with extreme weather conditions began to take their toll. With full restoration work now complete, Resurgam is as good as new and we look forward to being part of this major programme to conserve Woodside and its fascinating heritage.”

The original submarine Resurgam – from the Latin “I will rise” - was designed by a Manchester clergyman then built in Birkenhead in 1879, intended as a weapon to penetrate the chain netting placed around ships’ hulls to defend against attack by torpedo vessels. However, it sank off Rhyl while being towed to Portsmouth to be shown to the Royal Navy.

For many years the exact location of Resurgam was a mystery until being found in 1995 by an experienced wreck diver who had been attempting to clear snagged fishing nets. The submarine became designated as a protected wreck but plans to raise her have so far not been fruitful.

To keep the name afloat, an exact replica of the vessel was built by trainees attached to the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead to be put on display at Woodside.

The historic Woodside Ferry Terminal, where a passenger ferry has been operating for almost 200 years, is now also home to Woodside Ferry Village food hall which has become a major Wirral visitor attraction based on the cosmopolitan eating places of London, Barcelona and Lisbon.

With its waterfront location and stunning views of the Liverpool skyline, plans include the potential creation of cultural, music and art events and social initiatives.

Sharon Stanton, director at Woodside CIC, said: “We are delighted with the care and attention which Curtis Painting Group has put into renovating the Resurgam back to its original condition which has always proved very popular for visitors to the area.

“We are looking to work with them in the future as we move forward with our plans for the Woodside area in creating a vibrant area which will bring footfall back and create economic prosperity.”