Former Navy flagship HMS Invincible may become Chinese nightclub

As China announced the near-completion of its first giant aircraft carrier, the much- loved but now decommissioned UK carrier HMS Invincible may end up as a huge Chinese nightclub.

During the Falklands War 30 years ago, the Royal Navy’s HMS Invincible was at the heart of the fighting, with Harrier jets rising from her decks to counter the invading Argentinean Mirage fighter planes. All good things come to an end; however, with the veteran carrier being decommissioned in 2005 and up for sale right now. The most interested party is a Chinese businessman whose plan for the carrier might dismay all who served on her.

Tycoon Kin Bong Lam, owner of the Wing Wa Chinese restaurant empire based in Birmingham, is submitting a bid of £5 million to the British government in the hope of securing the carrier as an addition to his entertainment venues. His plan is to move her to China then fit her out as a vast nightclub. His alternative ideas for the Invincible are as a college or school.

Mr Lam understands the carrier must not be reused for military purposes, but is certain the Royal Navy would be proud and happy their distinguished fighting ship was to be re-launched as an entertainment hub with hostesses and loud music. The tycoon won’t have long to wait to find out if his dream will come true, as all tenders have now been submitted to the Ministry of Defence and a decision is expected soon.

HMS Invincible, once the Navy’s flagship, was one of three small aircraft carriers which joined the British Naval fleet in the 1980s, and was the first to be decommissioned, with her parts used for repairs to her sister ships, Ark Royal and Illustrious. HMS Ark Royal was controversially decommissioned late last year and HMS Illustrious will follow in 2014, leaving the Royal Navy without an aircraft carrier.