A floating art space and landmark along the River Thames is leaving the town where it has been moored for eight years.

The Light Vessel 21 (LV21) has been docked in the water opposite St Andrew’s Gardens, in Gravesend, since 2016 and is used as an entertainment hub and performance facility.

However, it has now been revealed the historic bright red ship has moved to a new home in Medway as it saw a reduction in openings to the public this year, according to Gravesham council.

The local authority said the centre’s activities were limited to the Gravesham Light Festival in January and the Franklin Festival in August.

An announcement on where the LV21 has moved to in the Medway Towns is expected later this week.

Before settling in Gravesend, the ship was docked at Gillingham Pier.

Gravesham council is now calling for vessels to visit the town’s quayside as it plans to improve the facilities at the site and enhance the quayside, including relandscaping St Andrew’s Gardens.

It also coincides with efforts to restore the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry which suddenly stopped its services in April due to financial constraints.

A group of bodies including Gravesham council, Kent County Council (KCC), the Port of London Authority (PLA), Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and Jetstream have co-funded a transport study which is due to be completed later this month.

It will assess the long-term viability of the service and outline potential business models.

Leader of Gravesham council, Cllr John Burden, said: “While it is sad to see LV21 depart having established itself as a landmark in Gravesend, this is a real opportunity to attract a range of vessels to help highlight our rich maritime history.

“It comes at a time when a range of projects are coming together to really reconnect Gravesend with The Thames.

“Gravesend’s historic riverfront is a jewel in the borough’s crown, and our future plans for the quayside will breathe new life into this beautiful Thameside location.

“Visiting ships now have the opportunity to make the most of the fully serviced quayside, as well as Gravesend Town Pier.”

The pier has hosted the world’s only working paddle steamer the Waverley and a replica of the Spanish Galleon Andalucía this summer.

Owners of vessels interested in mooring on Gravesend Riverside should contact mail.property@gravesham.gov.uk.