Multi-million pound city public space revamp begins

Work begins today – 14 February – on the £11.7m redevelopment of Queens Gardens, in Hull.

The first stage will include refurbishment of the Rose Bowl Fountain and the removal of the bandstand which is being relocated to Pickering Park.

Works are being carried out in two phases, with completion expected late 2023.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Today marks the start of this fantastic project that will transform our city centre and play an important role in our future prosperity.

“I am pleased we are starting near the Rose Bowl, much improving accessibility for all residents and visitors to this much-loved space near the fountain.

“Queens Gardens is a fantastic urban green space but it is in desperate need of redevelopment and investment.

“I am particularly excited about the planting of already established mature rare trees as part of this development, which will futureproof it to react to challenges posed by climate change.”

For every tree removed, three trees will be planted in the gardens and in other locations across the city centre.

The Queens Gardens project includes improvement of accessibility and visitor flows, delivery of structural repairs through rebuilding perimeter walls, introduction of pieces of public art, creation of a large events space and improvement of biodiversity.

The project  is an integral part of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project as it will link the Hull Maritime Museum to the North End Shipyard – which will be the new home of the historic Arctic Corsair.

The shipyard is currently being transformed into a visitor attraction.