Future use of HMS Invincible and other capital ships ex-RN
The capital has HSM Belfast, and Edinburgh the (ex-) Royal Yacht Britannia. It is suggested a number of our other seaports could benefit from a similar such endorsement permanently moored on their water fronts - so many of which are now being (re-)developed as tourist attractions, leisure spaces, consumer areas.
Whilst the Royal Navy's current three "carriers" are not the biggest in the world; the biggest the RN has ever had; or will have in the near future; they are still very fine and interesting ships. Particularly so if exhibited with a couple of the airframes parked on deck, of the now withdrawn Sea Harrier.
Evidenced from a many a "Navy Day" attended with enthusiam (at Rosyth), the machinery spaces; control areas; living areas; etc., will always continue to prove a fascinating tourist attraction for the present day, and many a future, generation to come.
Pertinently, the three "carriers" are built around an enormous hanger space below the flight deck. In modern parlance, it is understood we would describe the hanger space as "technical". In addition to the routine day-to-day tourist visitors - such a versatile, covered and enclosed space, on such an impressive ship, with its own infrastructure, would provide an irresistible venue for functions such as corporate events, meetings, promotions; fashion and art shows; concerts (classical and modern); craft fairs, trade shows, and product launches; conventions and conferences.
Further, the three "carriers" have a proven ability to fly-off helicopters - in far more arduous and demanding conditions than moored static at a city centre quayside. The recipient port-towns wishing to enhance the re-generation of their waterfronts, would therefore also find themselves in possession of an instant, fully operational, city centre, heli-port, with possibly the safest possible approaches - over water, along the adjacent rivers/esturies.
Promoted as above, it is possible that the three "carriers" may not be sufficient to meet demand. However, there are always Fearless and Intrepid, that could be similarly utilised. They would need welding shut (to be totally watertight), the stern doors to their rear-dock areas. An inexpensive and uncomplicated arched glass canopy "roof" would be sufficient to fully enclose the (small) open rear-dock area, and ensure that these "technical" exhibition areas below, are then weather proof.
As static, exhibition venues, and tourist attractions, the three "carriers", with Fearless and Intrepid, could be manned by ex-servicemen who could be relied upon to retain and maintain the high level of cleanliness, enthusiasm and efficiency, both above and below decks, appropriate for (former) ships of Her Majesty's Royal Navy.