Funding secured for multimillion-pound maritime tourism project

A huge maritime project to protect and promote Hull’s maritime history is set to become a reality following the approval of a £13.6m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Following on from the success of UK City of Culture 2017, the project is the next major milestone in the delivery of Hull’s City Plan and 10-year Cultural Strategy, which set out how Hull will achieve its ambition to become a world-class visitor destination.

The project represents the next phase in the regeneration of the city.

“This is a real game-changer for Hull,” said Cllr Daren Hale, economic lead at Hull City Council.

“It is an exciting time for Hull and with this funding we can now set our plans in motion and the ambitious plans can come to fruition.”

It will see Hull Maritime Museum, Dock Office Chambers and the North End Shipyard regenerated and two historic vessels, the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship, preserved.

Visitors will be able to discover Hull’s global links through a new experience and maritime trail.

Cllr Hale added: “This is continued investment and regeneration for our city and our proud heritage, bringing far reaching benefits for everyone as well as reaffirming our role as a thriving cultural and maritime city.”

Hull City Council is putting forward £10m of match funding, along with a further £4.3m for the redevelopment of Queens Gardens, once the world’s largest dock, which will connect the three sites involved in the initiative.

A fundraising campaign has already secured £250,000 and has set a £2.6m target.

Jenny Howard-Coombes, chairman of Cultural Collisions Hull, said: “It feels so fitting that a city whose DNA is rooted in the maritime industry should use the rich narratives of our maritime heritage to propel the city forward, shaping the future and inspiring generations to come. Coming on the back of Hull2017, the Yorkshire Maritime City programme of work will elevate us further.”

Over the last two years, more than 100 heritage and community organisations, 40 schools and 15,000 people have helped shape the plans.

Work is due to begin in the coming months once permission has been granted by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The full visitor experience is expected to be completed by 2024.