Plans refined for Hull’s East Bank Urban Village
Public consultations held for ECF’s residential-led development on the site opposite the Old Town show an 84% approval rating from the public for the regeneration of the long-term vacant site, with a planning application expected in early 2026.
These insights are being fed directly into the emerging masterplan, with ECF now advancing detailed design and technical work on the project.
ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G, and Muse, is working alongside Hull City Council on the scheme for approximately 850 new homes, ground-floor commercial units, and an interconnected network of streets, plazas, and green spaces, to be delivered over a 15-year period.
Once an important part of Hull’s maritime industry, this area has seen a significant decline in use since the mid-20th Century.
Feedback from the initial consultation highlighted broad endorsement for new homes in a central, well-connected location close to services, employment and public transport; strong enthusiasm for new public spaces, play areas, and riverside routes; and positive responses to the scheme’s sustainability focus.
Alongside this, respondents offered further constructive suggestions on building prominence, parking and traffic management, biodiversity, and heritage integration, including future uses for existing historical landmarks including the Trinity House Buoy Shed.
The project is supported by £9.8m in Levelling Up funding, underpinning enabling works and early infrastructure delivery, and contributing towards the council’s plan for 2,500 new homes within Hull city centre.
Raife Gale, senior development manager at ECF said: “We’re delighted that the local community has responded so positively to the early proposals. Their insight is invaluable and is already influencing the evolution of the masterplan.
“This is about creating a vibrant, inclusive riverside neighbourhood that works for existing communities as well as future residents.
“The consultation marked an important milestone, and we look forward to returning with detailed plans that reflect the ambitions of the city.
“The level of support we’ve seen reinforces the importance of unlocking this key site and delivering meaningful regeneration for Hull.
“With the community’s backing and our strong partnership with Hull City Council, we are well positioned to bring forward a planning application in early 2026 and to realise the full potential of this landmark regeneration opportunity.”
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development at the council, said: “East Bank Urban Village is one of Hull’s largest ever regeneration projects and will act as a catalyst for further urban renewal and help to increase investor confidence in the city with all the economic benefits that will arise.
“The development is the future of Hull’s city centre living and so the council is delighted that our residents and other stakeholders and interested parties shared their thoughts with us to help shape it.”
