You might not know it, but things are changing in Hull. This city has been changing constantly since I moved here in 2005 and there’s plenty more in the pipeline that you can start to get excited about.
Hull’s never had the best of reputations as a place to live in this country, being awarded a ‘worst place to live’ a couple of times in the 2000s certainly didn’t help. I’ve always found it strange though because even before I moved here, I never thought it was such a bad place.
But it’s changed so much since I arrived here, it’s almost unrecognisable from the city I moved to nearly 18 years ago.
There’s so much more to do now. There are way more restaurants, attractions and so many events like family activities, festivals and theatre shows. This is why I started Hull What’s On in the first place to make it easy for people to see when and where everything is.
I’ve heard Hull described as ‘a city on the edge of the world’, and that’s kind of how it feels to me. Hull is a quite different place to other parts of the UK I’ve lived in or been to. It’s unique but in a good way. I like it. It’s part of the UK but sort of the awkward cousin in the family that nobody really gets.
I love the city centre which, although still has a way to go, is big enough to have all the things you need, yet not too big where it takes forever to get from one side to the other. I love being surrounded by the countryside, and the small market towns. And I love being so close to the beach!
For me, Hull’s a great place, and there’s so much still to come which you’ll see with this list of exciting developments happening in Hull over the next few years which will make it an even better place to live.
The A63
So there are only two things I don’t like about Hull. No broadband choice and the roads. I’ve always said that for some reason, when one road in Hull gets blocked, the whole system comes to a halt. It’s a bit mental and I can’t explain why, but it does. However, I’m hoping that the work to the A63 from Highways England is going to make a huge difference soon.
In case you don’t know, the A63 dual carriageway as you come into the centre of Hull has been undergoing a huge transformation project since 2020. With several necessary closures to help complete the work, it’s been a source of pain for many people in the region for a while, but it won’t be long until it’s done.
Work officially started in June 2020 after Murdoch’s Connection footbridge was completed. The old Mytongate traffic light junction caused massive delays during peak times, so the project aims to fix this by creating a new split-level junction.
This involves lowering the A63 to create an underpass, allowing Ferensway and Commercial Road to cross without affecting traffic flow. The lower underpass is already taking shape and the final phase will involve widening the eastbound carriageway to three lanes between Princes Dock Street and Market Place.
The A63 is used by about 47,000 vehicles daily, making these improvements crucial. The finished highway is targeted for completion either late 2024 or in 2025.
Myton Street
Now along the A63 as you come into Hull, on the left-hand side is Connexin Live; a fantastic venue in Hull which opened in 2018, and has brought some big names in music and comedy, much bigger than what we would have had without it. Well, that whole area is set to be transformed over the next few years.
Hull City Council has been actively working on transforming the Myton Retail Park. The former American Golf and Maplin buildings were demolished to make way for an extended car park, which now offers 166 spaces. This is considered a temporary measure as the site is set to become a ‘gateway to the city centre’ in a future development​.
In the wider Myton area, plans are also moving forward for residential and mixed-use developments. Proposals are being reviewed for more than 1,000 new homes across several disused sites, including parts of Myton. These developments are part of a larger vision to address Hull’s housing shortages and contribute to the city’s regeneration.
Dock Office Row
A little further up the river Hull on the west bank, is the North End Shipyard which will soon become a visitor attraction as part of the Yorkshire’s Maritime City project.
Reflecting 400 years of shipbuilding history, it’s the place where both HMS Bounty and HMS Boreas, once commanded by Horatio Nelson, were built. This hidden gem behind Hull College will have its rich story told for the first time when the area is transformed and a new visitor centre is built.
At the heart of this redevelopment is the North End Shipyard, located on High Street, which will soon become the permanent home of the historic Arctic Corsair. This area, steeped in Hull’s maritime history, is being revitalised as part of the £30 million Yorkshire’s Maritime City project.
The plans include a new visitor centre and the restoration of the 20th-century Scotch Derrick Crane, highlighting the area’s shipbuilding legacy. This attraction is expected to open by early 2025, drawing an estimated 135,000 visitors annually.
In addition, the Dock Office Row improvements are part of the larger Hull+ scheme, which aims to boost the local economy by enhancing flood defences and improving the overall environment.
Albion Square
Moving into the centre of town, Albion Square is an exciting new development announced by Hull City Council a few years back. It’s the space between Bond Street, King Edward Street and Prospect Street where there’s currently an abandoned BHS building and the three ships mural which (for some reason beyond me) many people love (I’m sure it’s full of history, but for me, it looks like the base of an old manky swimming pool – sorry!).
The Albion Square development is set to be one of Hull’s most transformative projects, with a £96 million investment aimed at revitalising the city centre. This ambitious project will bring a mix of residential, office, and retail spaces, alongside a striking new urban park that will incorporate rewilding techniques. The development is being led by VINCI Construction and includes sustainable features like solar panels, EV charging points, and a bike hub​.
One of the standout aspects of this development is the preservation of the aforementioned Three Ships Mural, which will be integrated into the design. The project also includes rooftop gardens, urban wetlands, and green public spaces designed to enhance biodiversity and address climate resilience.
Construction began in 2023, with completion expected by 2026. Albion Square is set to breathe new life into the heart of Hull, complementing the ongoing regeneration efforts in other parts of the city​
Construction work has also begun on a new Community Diagnostic Centre in Albion Square, a brand-new £18m NHS facility replacing the old walk-in clinic on Story Street. It’s expected to welcome thousands of patients annually, relieving the strain on acute hospitals whilst also creating around 100 local jobs.
More: All news stories on Albion Square development
City Centre Living
Over the next few years, you can expect to see lots of new apartment blocks pop up around the city centre, as the development of Hull’s city centre living is gaining momentum with several major projects aiming to create over 1,000 new homes.
The East Bank Urban Village will deliver up to 850 new apartments, alongside the St Stephen’s Place and Myton City Gateway developments. These projects are designed to offer high-quality, sustainable living spaces, complete with rooftop areas, green spaces, and family-friendly amenities​.
Moreover, the £4 million redevelopment of the Standidge Building on Chapel Lane will add 36 new apartments to the city centre, supported by Levelling Up Funding. This includes the conversion of a Grade II listed building, further expanding the options for city-centre living.
Another key development is the £30 million Shirethorn House project, which will introduce more than 250 residential units, including modern townhouses and a winter garden.
This is all great news for the city! I’ve always said that it’s not rocket science when it comes to getting more people in the city centre… if you can get more people working and living there, then it’ll have increased footfall. More footfall will mean more investment from large UK retail companies and attractions. So that Ikea, Wagamama or TGI Fridays might not be too many years away if the council’s plan comes about.
Hull Marina
The marina area is definitely one of the city’s jewels in the crown. It’s just beautiful down there in the spring and summer seasons and the council are planning to keep it that way.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the area transform with new pathways and roads, buildings and grants for businesses to start along there. We’ve seen restaurants and galleries open up and office blocks on Humber Quays, as well as the completion of Beal Homes Fruit Market housing development alongside Wykeland Group’s office developments for C4Di and the new Arco Headquarters next to the recent 350-space multi-storey car park.
Aquavista, the company managing Hull Marina, has been actively investing in the area, spending over £300,000 on upgrading marine infrastructure and improving facilities. Their future plans include the construction of 51 new apartments, 34 townhouses, and new commercial spaces, all designed to enhance the waterside experience and integrate with the existing community​.
The marina has also been a focal point of cultural regeneration, with projects like the relocation and restoration of the Spurn Lightship, which is set to reopen as a visitor attraction in 2024​. Additionally, the Fruit Market area adjacent to the marina continues to flourish with new homes, offices, and leisure spots like restaurants and galleries​.
Next to the office blocks on Humber Quays, there’s more land earmarked for residential apartments, offices and leisure too!
Queens Gardens
I love that there are plans to create a better Queens Gardens. I think big green spaces are fantastic in busy city centres and Queens Gardens was looking a bit ‘worse for wear’, let’s say.
It’s all sealed off now though as the improvements are well underway, as 130 new trees are planted; all part of the 12 million pound renovation which will not only modernise the gardens, but make it into a practical outdoor event space. Each of these new trees have been hand-selected and imported from some of the finest nurseries in the Netherlands and will last around 100-150 years.
Many Hull locals have expressed concern on the existing trees being removed, but the only trees that are being removed are at the end of their lives and in deteriorating condition, with some of the heavy boughs breaking off in even light winds. Thankfully the beautiful willow tree is healthy enough to remain.
This redevelopment is also designed to host large-scale events more efficiently, like summer concerts and festivals, with power cables now integrated into the foundations, and the addition of amphitheatre-style steps and seating along the embankment.
Another innovative feature is the new drainage system, which will divert rainwater from the roads into the gardens, helping to sustain the ponds and allowing the area to be used for flood alleviation. The plans also incorporate modern, eco-friendly utilities, including electric vehicle charging points.
The £4.3m Queens Gardens refurbishment is being funded by Hull City Council and plays a key part in the Yorkshire’s Maritime City project.
With the BBC Building and the new Glass House, the area is going to look fantastic once it’s completed!
Whitefriargate
Everyone has an opinion on what should happen with this iconic Hull city centre street as “back int day”, Whitefriargate was a lively shopping high street with plenty of household names and local favourites.
Like many high streets across the country, Whitefriargate lost many of those businesses, losing the likes of Thorntons, Smiths, Ann Summers and Marks and Spencer. But in September 2020, £1.75 million was awarded to the council from Historic England, kick-starting the current regeneration project.
Ever since then, Whitefriargate has been gradually rebuilding, giving businesses access to matched government funding from the High Street and the Levelling Up Funds.
And you can see results already. New cafes, bars and food businesses like Calla, Crepes & Bubbles, Toastie, Pink Parrot, and the latest Drum & Cymbol bar have all opened, while The Sterling Meat Co has had a face-lift! New Independent shops like Bad Wolf Gaming, and Wrecking Ball Music have also opened.
The former HSBC bank has been transformed into a stylish office block while the huge M&S building is being restored too. The old Customs House & Nepture Inn is being converted into modern apartments.
But the grandest development happening on Whitefriargate is of course the Burtons building, which is being converted into office space with a prime retail or restaurant spot on the ground floor.
There’s a long way to go with Whitefriargate, but plenty is being done to bring the street back to life and we can’t wait to see it, hopefully, become a well-loved part of Hull city centre once again.
Leisure Facilities
Over the next few years, we’ll start to see better leisure facilities around the city too. The Albert Avenue Pools reopened recently after a £4.6 million renovation, which included restoring the historic lido that had been closed for 25 years.
This is part of Hull City Council’s broader £18.5 million investment into the city’s leisure amenities, which also included the refurbishment of Beverley Road Baths, now boasting a larger gym and upgraded steam and sauna facilities​!
In addition to these facility upgrades, parks like Bude Park and East Park are also receiving enhancements. Bude Park, for example, is set to have new football facilities, a pavilion, and a splash pad​.
These investments are aimed at improving community spaces and ensuring that Hull remains a great place for residents to enjoy recreational activities. Add to all this the recently invested £250,000 spent restoring the old East Park splash boat, and the options for swimming and water fun around Hull look pretty decent indeed.
Cruise Terminal
In case you don’t know, Hull has ambitious plans to build a new cruise terminal as part of a wider effort to regenerate the Western Docklands area.
In November last year, the Hull City Council approved a master plan that includes a state-of-the-art terminal at the Albert and William Wright Dock. The project is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and significantly enhance Hull’s economy by attracting more visitors and cruise ships to our vibrant city.
The terminal aims to make Hull a premier destination for cruise lines, with its convenient location providing easy access to the city centre and local attractions like The Deep.
However, the plan has not been without its challenges. Some residents have raised concerns about potential traffic issues and the impact on nearby residential areas, and the plan was rethought because of this previously.
Despite these concerns, the cruise terminal project could be fantastic for our city! It could bring in substantial investment, support local businesses, and showcase Hull’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience. While securing external funding remains a hurdle, the project reflects a bold vision for Hull’s future, aligned with ongoing regeneration efforts.
If it comes off, it would mean a huge boost to the local economy with over 100 jobs expected to be created, and plenty of tourists coming in and out of the city, stopping in our hotels and spending in our restaurants.
Hull’s heading in the right direction…
Whichever way you look at it, these plans are incredibly exciting and are going to improve our city to no end. The council have faced some criticism in the past for having no ambition, but I don’t think that’s the case any more.
Since 2014, the council have taken risks, investing in a campaign to bring the City of Culture award to Hull which they successfully did in 2017 and we’re now seeing the benefits of that with things like Connexin Live, the upgraded Hull New Theatre, more hotels, and new leisure attractions.
Sadly, the pandemic didn’t help the cause, but with these new investments outlined above, I believe there are more good things coming our way.
