The landmark submarine will be repaired and repainted

The 25-tonne structure was built in 1984 by apprentices from the Cammell Laird shipyard, to go on display at the International Garden Festival.

Twenty years later it is an essential part of the city tour for fans of The Beatles making their pilgrimage.

Liverpool Council have yet to announce a new location for the submarine.

The submarine will be repainted and repaired before moving to a new home.

It will be hoisted onto a low-loader at 0330 BST on Saturday and taken three and a half miles to a council depot at Newton Road in Old Swan.

Cllr Mike Storey, Leader of the City Council, said: "The Yellow Submarine has become a real Liverpool landmark."

"However, we have no choice but to have it moved so that the Paradise Street scheme which will bring massive investments and jobs into Liverpool can start on schedule.

"It does provide us with a chance to give the submarine a much-needed coat of paint and do a few repairs but people should rest assured that it will be back on display as soon as possible."