Plans to transform some of Hull’s maritime treasures, of which veteran side trawler Arctic Corsair is a key feature, have been given the go-ahead by planners.
The decision by Hull City Council’s Planning Committee now means if the £13.6m bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund is successful, 800 years of Hull’s seafaring history would be protected and promoted by the creation 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.
The decision has agreed on an extensive refurbishment to Hull Maritime Museum, opening up more architecture and displaying more of the significant collection, a new two-storey new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard, incorporating the new dry-berth for the Arctic Corsair and a two-storey visitor centre, and on the relocation and restoration of the 20th century Scotch Derrick crane.
‘Today’s decision is a significant step forward in our ambitious plans to celebrate our rich maritime history,’ said Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration, planning, land and property.
‘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.’
The five key maritime treasures in the heart of Hull city centre are the Arctic Corsair, North End Shipyard, Spurn Lightship, Dock Office Chambers and the striking Hull Maritime Museum.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded Hull’s major maritime project £1.4m to develop plans. The council has committed £10m and a fundraising campaign is under way to find the remaining £2.6m.
