Widnes Memories: U-534 proving to be a major attraction following its restoration by Widnes firm Whitfield and Brown

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Oct 2, 09 12:44 PM in 2000 onwards

A HISTORIC U-boat which was restored by a Widnes-based contractor is proving a smash hit with tourists.

More than 31,000 people have visited the Woodside-based U-534 since it was revamped by Whitfield and Brown seven months ago.

The number exceeds the 28,000 visitors predicted by tourism bosses for the entire year.
The work carried out by the Appleton-based firm included cutting the ageing vessel into sections, and re-assembling it as a visitor-friendly attraction.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel - which operates the exhibit - said the revamp has gone down a storm with visitors.

He said: "The U-Boat Story has been a resounding success. It has exceeded our expectations and we are absolutely delighted.

"We're getting visitors from all over the world as well as from around the region.

"As well as numerous school parties, visitors have included the crew of a British nuclear submarine, the German Ambassador to the UK, members of the British Legion and last week we had three ladies who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service during World War II.

"U-534 is one of only four U-boats left in the world, it is unique in the UK and people recognise its importance in the history of maritime warfare."

To this day the vessel is cloaked in mystery and historians still debate why its commander Herbert Nollau refused the mass surrender order issued by the German high command at the war's end.

She was sank by British Liberator bombers off Denmark in 1945 and raised and salvaged in 1993.

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