THE TRANSFORMATION of the HM Bark Endeavour from a replica of an iconic vessel to a visitor attraction is almost complete following extensive work since its arrival into Whitby earlier this month.

The Captain Cook replica ship is taking shape as The Endeavour Experience, as the internal decks are converted into spaces with interactive features and displays that will help visitors imagine what life was like for the 95 crew members during the three-year voyage.

Initial work, which is being led by interpretative design specialists Leach Studio, is focussing on the first level of the interior, the Main Deck.

This first stage will be completed in time for the town’s Cook250 Festival from July 5 to 8, celebrating the anniversary of Cook’s first voyage on-board The Endeavour.

A recruitment drive is also underway that will see more than 20 people employed by the attraction.

The first completed sections of the deck will include the Great Cabin at the rear of the ship, which acted as the study and workroom for Cook and his Royal Society colleagues.

Through live action and animation projected onto the cabin’s walls and windows, visitors will be transported back to the dramatic moments in the 1700s when Cook discusses the expedition orders – the first to transport the astronomer Charles Green to Tahiti so he could observe the Transit of Venus and then the second secret order to look for the unknown Great Southern Land.

The perilous conditions faced during the voyage, particularly the moment when The Endeavour ran aground on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the crew battled to save the stricken ship, will also be part of the animation.

Andrew Fiddler, owner of The Endeavour Experience said: “We’re really pleased we will still be able to participate in Whitby’s Cook celebrations. Giving visitors a first-look at the experience in July will enable people to understand how our harbour-side attraction will fit in with the rest of Whitby’s sights, boost visitor footfall as well as provide valuable local employment.”

Once fully opened The Endeavour Experience will cost £7.50 per adult and £4.50 for children aged 16 and under; under 3s go free. Visit www.hmbarkendeavour.co.uk.