Revival scheme planned for Victorian era shopping arcade

Hull City Council’s Cabinet will consider giving the green light to a project to repair and renovate Hepworth’s Arcade.

The scheme will see essential repairs to the historic shopping parade, addressing damp and a backlog of maintenance, such as renovating the promenade flooring and repairing internal stonework. It will also be fully redecorated.

The project will improve the quality of the retail units to attract new businesses in a bid to fill empty units.

It is intended to bring further local jobs, increase the diversity of high-quality retail available and boost footfall in the area.

The overall cost of the project is estimated at around £1.4m, the majority coming from the council’s Capital Programme, with additional grants being sought from external funders in support of the Grade II listed Victorian building.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “Hepworth’s Arcade is a Grade II listed building and a much loved and admired retail destination in Hull’s Old Town.

“Owning the facility, the council has a responsibility to keep it well-maintained and in good condition for future generations.

“Hepworth’s Arcade is home to a mix of bespoke, independent retailers and this investment will complement the amazing work done next door to make Trinity Market so popular and enjoyable.

“This funding from the council’s Capital Programme, alongside potential match funding from Historic England, will help reinvigorate Hepworth’s Arcade and ensure it remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors to our city centre.”

Craig Broadwith, historic places advisor at Historic England, said: “We’re working closely with Hull City Council to develop a project which will breathe new life into Hepworth’s Arcade.

“A revived arcade will complement the successful rejuvenation of Trinity Market, the regeneration of Whitefriargate and the wider Old Town, being delivered through our two Hull Heritage Action Zone schemes.”

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