Hulls historic Spurn Lightship will temporarily move this September as part of a multi-million pound plan to improve a key route in and out of Hull.
Highways England is expected to begin work in October 2018 to construct a footbridge over the A63 in front of the Princes Quay to reconnect the city centre with the waterfront and regenerated Fruit Market, ahead of the main A63 upgrade.
The vessel will be moored within the Marina until 2021 and subject to funding will receive specialist conservation to ensure its long-term preservation. The vessel will then be moved to a new permanent home on Hull Marina, as part of the £27.4 million Hull: Yorkshires Maritime City programme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hull City Council.
Councillor Daren Hale, Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment, Regeneration, Planning, Land and Property, said: Extensive preparations for its move are now under way. Over the coming months, the vessels historic collection will be carefully removed and stored safely as condition checks and detailed surveys of the Spurn Lightship are undertaken ahead of its move in early September.
Unfortunately, while work is ongoing in preparation of its move, we will be unable to offer access to visitors this summer.
We are looking forward to reopening when the conservation work is complete. The Spurn Lightship will return with rejuvenated exhibitions and longer opening hours with improved accessibility and signage, allowing everyone to admire the splendour of the vessel, securing its long-term future.
For more information on the Hull: Yorkshires Maritime City, visit www.cityplanhull.co.uk/index.php/hull-yorkshires-maritime-city/