Plans to transform some of Hull’s maritime treasures have been given the go-ahead at the council’s Planning Committee.
The decision now means that if the £13.6m bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is successful, funding would protect and promote 800 years of Hull’s seafaring history by creating the best maritime trail in the north of England.
A decision is expected to be made by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in the autumn and work could start as soon as early 2020.
Today’s decision agreed:
an extensive refurbishment to Hull Maritime Museum, opening up more architecture and displaying more of the significant collection
to a two-storey new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard, off Dock Office Row incorporating the new dry-berth for the Arctic Corsair and a two-storey visitor centre
to the relocation and restoration of the 20th century Scotch Derrick crane
Councillor Daren Hale, Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment, Regeneration, Planning, Land and Property, said: “Today’s decision is a significant step forward in our ambitious plans to celebrate our rich maritime history.
“The approval of this scheme will not only protect and transform our maritime sites; it will give us the opportunity to showcase our compelling story as a thriving maritime city and making Hull an attractive place to visit – adding to our fantastic tourism and cultural offer.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the opportunity to comment on the initial plans and designs. We will continue to develop the proposals, until the result of the bid is announced by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in the autumn.”
The five key maritime treasures right in the heart of Hull city centre include – the Arctic Corsair, North End Shipyard, Spurn Lightship, Dock Office Chambers and the striking Hull Maritime Museum. The project will protect, preserve and celebrate Hull’s global role and international story as a maritime city, increasing access and understanding for future generations.
Councillor Hale added: “We have always wanted to recognise and acknowledge the city’s relationship with the sea and the connections across the world and these plans successfully do this. The end result will be something the city can be really proud of.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded Hull’s major maritime project £1.4m from to develop plans. The council has committed £10m and a fundraising campaign is already underway to achieve a £2.6m funding shortfall.
