11th June 2025
The new state-of-the-art visitor centre at the North End Shipyard on High Street, set to become one of the most energy-efficient cultural buildings in the UK, is now complete.
With sustainability and accessibility at its core, this new two-floor facility, designed by architects Purcell, is an exciting space that not only tells the rich history of North End Shipyard and the Arctic Corsair but also sets a benchmark for sustainable design.
It is the first museum visitor centre to achieve Passivhaus certification, the new visitor centre stands as a shining example of energy efficiency. The building’s design features a highly insulated fabric, doors, and windows, ensuring optimal air quality and comfort throughout. Not only does the building have low energy consumption, but it also generates clean power through its installed roof top solar panels aligning with Hull’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while preserving its maritime heritage.
The visitor centre, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, offers unseen views along the River Hull, providing visitors with a tranquil and inspiring space to explore the area's maritime history. The building’s features include a dedicated learning space for schools, a lift, and changing places facilities, ensuring accessibility for all.
One of the key highlights of the new visitor centre is its focus on the Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last surviving deep-sea trawler. Visitors will be able to get up close to this historic ship and learn about the life of a trawlerman, with firsthand stories from former crew members. The Arctic Corsair's fascinating history will be brought to life with engaging stories and displays.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "This new visitor centre will not just be a place to explore Hull’s maritime past - it’s a vision for the future.
"By combining sustainability with accessibility and offering a space where people of all ages can connect with the remarkable history of North End Shipyard and the Arctic Corsair, we are ensuring that Hull's maritime legacy is celebrated for generations to come."
Owen Plummer, Associate at Purcell, said: “The rejuvenation of the North End Shipyard explores and celebrates Hull’s remarkably rich maritime history, embedding this at the heart of a place-shaping initiative that will preserve several significant assets, and project the city as a world class visitor destination.
“Purcell is delighted to be working with Hull City Council in our collective vision of sustainably designing places where people can belong, at this fascinating hidden gem of a site. From its early function as the entrance to Queen’s Dock, to later use as a dry dock, the North End Shipyard is now location for our climate-conscious Passivhaus visitor centre, the dry-docked Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last surviving deep-sea trawler, and repaired Scotch Derrick crane, physically and emotionally reconnecting Hull to its maritime heritage.”
The building will see internal works get underway as it transforms from an empty space into a modern visitor centre celebrating Hull’s trawling heritage and remembering those who never came back.
As well as the completion of the new visitor centre, the Marine Management Organisation has approved a license that will enable Hull City Council to move forward with the plans for the berthing of the Arctic Corsair at North End Shipyard.
The application for the license was submitted in October 2023, but the delays in the determination process has since caused significant delays to the programme and overall costs. The license now permits the removal of 3,500 cubic metres of silt from the River Hull, which is necessary for the installation of a new 50-tonne dock gate and the works will assist in berthing the 693-tonne trawler at her new location. With this approval, work inside the dock at North End Shipyard can proceed.
To facilitate the on-land disposal approach of dredged silt, receipt of a licence from the Environment Agency is required, resulting in a revised timeline for the docking of the Arctic Corsair. It is now anticipated that the vessel will be docked in spring 2026.
With the MMO licence granted, the next stage involving the creation of drainage channels within the dock and the installation of dock blocks for the trawler to sit on will be undertaken in the coming weeks. The new gate will then be installed in the autumn once these dock preparatory works are completed.
Councillor Ross added: "The approval of the MMO license is a significant step forward for the Arctic Corsair project. We are now able to proceed with the essential works at North End Shipyard, ensuring that this historic trawler is berthed in her fitting new home. We appreciate the patience and support of everyone as we move forward with this vital redevelopment."
Works within the dock at North End Shipyard will be undertaken in the coming weeks.
Later this year, the restored Scotch Derrick Crane will also return to the site, adding to the rich collection of historic maritime artefacts.
