30th May 2019
Ambitious plans that will transform, protect and promote Hull’s 800-years of seafaring history were submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund on Friday 24 May.
After receiving a £1.4 million development grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in June 2017 to progress detailed plans for the £27.4 million project, a round-two bid to apply for a full National Lottery Grant has now been submitted.
Hull City Council has already committed £10 million and a fundraising campaign is already underway to achieve a £2.6 million funding shortfall.
If successful, the bid will enable the full realisation of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project. It will refurbish the Hull Maritime Museum to open up more of its hidden architecture, provide a new dry-berth and full restoration for the Arctic Corsair at the historic North End Shipyard and the restoration of the Spurn Lightship. It will also create local employment, learning and volunteering opportunities, while showcasing the city’s rich maritime history to the world.
Councillor Daren Hale, Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment, Regeneration, Planning, Land and Property, said: “We are a city that takes culture and heritage seriously and Hull people have a real knowledge and pride in this heritage. This project is a game-changer for Hull and the wider region.
“We are thrilled to be submitting this final bid. It has been two years in the making and with the support and involvement from creative partners, residents, businesses, schools and training providers and the local community, it has been a citywide effort; as well as the support from industry experts and many partners and ambassadors from the wider region and beyond.
“This transformation project will improve Hull’s visitors’ experience. Enabling more people to understand the true significance of the Hull’s rich maritime heritage and in doing so, play a major role in the wider regeneration of Hull by increasing visitor numbers and creating vast learning, volunteering and employment opportunities to help safeguard and appreciate our heritage and economy for generations to come.”
This transformation project will improve Hull’s visitors’ experience. Enabling more people to understand the true significance of the Hull’s rich maritime heritage and in doing so, play a major role in the wider regeneration of Hull.
Councillor Daren Hale
The ambitious plans support Hull City Council’s cultural strategy and long-term ambitions to continue to be a cultural hotspot following on from the UK City of Culture year.
Councillor Hale added: “With continued investments and confidence in the city we are determined to continue the success and as a council we are truly committed to making Hull a better place to live, learn and work, improving our local economy and offering a tourist destination that will attract people from far and wide.
“With support, this is a project that benefits everyone in Hull and the wider region.”
A decision by the HLF is expected to be made in September. If successful, work could start as soon as early 2020.
