Council signals regeneration opportunity at Hull dock
A new character appraisal for St Andrew’s Dock Conservation Area is now in place, setting out the historic and architectural significance of the former fishing area and identifying sites of interest.
Produced by Hull City Council, the updated framework replaces guidance from 1996 and is intended to guide future planning decisions and help prevent further loss of heritage assets.
St Andrew’s Dock Conservation Area is a 22-acre industrial dockland next to the river, located around three miles from Hull City Centre and to the north of the River Humber, immediately south of the A63.
Buildings and features that have been identified as points of interest now include the dock itself and the river wall, the hydraulic tower and pump house, the Insurance Buildings, Lord Line Building, and St Andrew’s Steam Fishing Office.
In 2023, Hull City Council began a programme to update all of its conservation area appraisals, including St Andrew’s Dock Conservation Area, which was originally designated in 1990 and had only a brief character statement adopted in 1996.
The area has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since at least 2009 and is now in very poor condition following the loss of most historic buildings, leaving only a small number of structures alongside the dock and lock, all of which are vacant and largely derelict.
Due to ongoing vacancy, deterioration, and public safety concerns, a full reappraisal of its heritage significance was completed in 2024, with approval for public consultation granted in November 2025.
Chris Jackson, director for regeneration and partnerships at the council, said: “St Andrew’s Dock Conservation Area is one of the most important and visible areas of maritime heritage outside the city centre.
“Therefore, it is crucial that it is preserved correctly whilst also aligning with modern building standards.
“We would like to thank those who took part in our public consultation to help to shape the updated character appraisal.”
