Hull’s West Docklands in development spotlight
A design brief for regeneration in the area to re-establish links to the city centre will be examined by the local authority’s cabinet.
If signed off on 20 November, the brief would set a planning framework for development and regeneration of land bounded by the operational Albert and William Wright Docks to the south, the A63 to the north, Daltry Street to the west and Commercial Road and Manor House Street to the east.
A driver for the plan is the intended departrure of Smith & Nephew from the area, which combined with the site’s proximity to Castle Street means the council is keen to make the most of an opportunity to link with the centre and the prospering Fruit Market area to the east.
Proposals have been refined since a public consultation was carried out earlier this year, and the cabinet will consider these proposals.
Largely speaking, respondents to the consultation were in favour of employment use – and ‘traditional’ rather than office space – over housing for the majority of the site. Employment will be pursued at the S&N site.
Closing the ice arena at the site and opening one elsewhere was firmly dismissed, with people keen to see the current facility invested in.
Broadly, there will be concentrated residential development at the eastern tip, close to the cruise terminal, with the central zone being mixed-use, with some employment – several key buildings will remain here, such as the Kingston retail park and the ice arena.
The western part of the site – much the largest – will be employment-focused.
The framework seeks to:
- Support existing local businesses in the area
- Promote further employment growth, in particular, a new medi-tech centre
- Secure an area of new housing to the south of Wellington Street West
- Retain and improve the ice arena – a very definitye commitment from the council
- Allow for the consideration of a cruise facility at the Albert and William Wright Dock, dependent on external funding
Following the consultation, this report seeks approval to finalise plans and to ensure that all interested parties are aware.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The council sees real potential for positive regeneration and change in the West Docklands area and this new masterplan will help to make that a reality.
“This plan aims to bring employment and economic growth to the area, as well as the retention of the ice arena and expansion of leisure activities.
“The council has listened to local businesses and residents who’ve helped get us to this point.
“Now, this new plan is an important stepping stone in getting the potential out of the West Docklands area and ensuring the rest of the city sees its huge benefits.”
The project is one of several advancing as Hull looks to maker the most of a range of maritime assets, including a £30m heritage project at the North End shipyard, which includes a new home for the Arctic Corsair and revamped museum space.