The last surviving ship of the First World War – HMS Caroline – is entering the final stages of a multi-million pound restoration and redevelopment to turn the century-old vessel in Belfast, Northern Ireland, into a premiere heritage attraction.

The light cruiser, built in 1914, is the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, and the last survivor of Britain’s Grand Fleet. Funded by an £11.5m (US$17.2m, €16.2m) grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with additional capital from the Department for Enterprise Trade and Investment, work was carried out to halt the ship’s deterioration and to make it safe for the final stage of development. Work has included repairs to upper deck drainage, replacing hatch and door seals and fixing leaks. The ship has also been made asbestos-free.

Ahead of its reopening on 1 June 2016, work is now being carried out to turn HMS Caroline into a world-class museum, community centre and a meeting and conference venue.

“HMS Caroline is a living legend,” said captain John Rees, chief of staff at the National Museum of the Royal Navy and HMS Caroline project chair. “We are breathing new life into what is an internationally significant piece of world history.

“This is a world class heritage asset and the only ship remaining from the Grand and High Seas Fleet of some 250 vessels. We must not underestimate the value of this ship and the resonance of its history and position in Northern Ireland, so it is a matter of pride for us as well as a contribution to local communities that the ship is brought back to life.”

Following completion of the first phase of development, the ship will be dry docked for hull conservation works, which will be followed by completion of onshore facilities.

HMS Caroline has been based in Belfast for more than 90 years. The opening date is due to coincide with the Battle of Jutland’s centenary, which took place on 31 May 1916.