Councillors are being asked to consider plans to refurbish and improve Queens Gardens in one single approach.
£1m has already been allocated by Hull City Council’s Cabinet for phase one of the works.
Councillors are now going to discuss bringing forward £3.3m of funding from the capital programme so the entire refurbishment and improvement works can be carried out in one single approach, rather than a phased approach.
The funding will be reallocated from the Hull’s cruise terminal programme, with that funding replaced in later years when the cruise terminal scheme progresses to a potential delivery stage.
Hull City Council remains in discussion with Government about potential funding for the cruise terminal.
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, said: “Queens Gardens is a key component of the city centre. By improving the gardens, we can create a more desirable green space which will draw more people into the heart of the city.
“It makes sense to reallocate money from the capital programme to allow us to deliver the project sooner and more cost-effectively.”
As part of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project, the council proposes to address the entire gardens and boundaries, which was once the largest dock in the UK, in one single integrated scheme.
The gardens, as well as being a much-loved open space, are a key element in the maritime history of Hull and will connect the Hull Maritime Museum and the North End Shipyard – a new visitor attraction for Hull.
The Queens Gardens masterplan will provide enticing open spaces, improved access and seating.
The retaining walls of the gardens require replacement, due to tree roots encroaching on the walls, and as a result are currently fenced off.
The masterplan for the Queens Gardens refurbishment will follow the council’s policy of replacing any dangerous or life expired trees at a rate of two for one.
The Hull City Council design team has started the process of commissioning a range of ecological and other surveys and will work in close consultation with advisory groups such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The gardens are not equipped to meet the requirements of a major temporary events space. The remodelling would allow the area to accommodate a more varied range of small and large events.
The proposals will be discussed at the council’s People and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Commission on Thursday 11 July, before being considered by Cabinet on Monday 22 July.
