Dawn Sailing Barge Trust

Dawn Sailing Barge

Seen sailing here on the River Blackwater.

Photo from National Historic Ships.

Inkpen Downie is collaborating with the Dawn Trust to launch an engaging competition for local schoolchildren that invites them to contribute their creative ideas for the interior design of a barge, which will be transformed into a floating community hub for coastal communities along the River Blackwater. This initiative aims to repurpose the former barge, previously used for transporting hay between Maldon and London, into a dynamic space that will serve local CVS organisations. The barge will operate on a schedule, docking at various locations for five days at a time, significantly enhancing outreach to remote communities in the Essex region that often experience limited services.

Following the successful completion of a 3D laser scan of the barge, Inkpen Downie will produce a collection of templates that participants can use as a foundation for their designs. Ben Downie, Director at Inkpen Downie, is anticipated to play an integral role in the judging process for the competition.

Upon the competition's conclusion and the selection of winners, comprehensive design drawings will be prepared to facilitate the conversion process, enabling the barge to embark on its new mission as a vibrant community hub.