Hull City Council has ambitious plans for a new £42m events, conference centre and four-star hotel complex that will put the city on the UK map as a location for major events, shows and music concerts.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the proposals are part of a 10-year plan to make Hull a world-class visitor destination and to capitalise on its status as UK City of Culture, ensuring that this success leaves an economic legacy greatly beyond 2017. At least 500 long-term jobs will be created as a direct result of the development, which will inject £16.4m into the local economy every year.
Alongside other major investments in the city centre, including the regeneration of the Fruit Market and a recently announced £25m public realm programme, the new development represents a huge step up in Hull’s offer as a business and tourist destination. Together, they will increase annual visitor spend by more than £30m annually.
Conferences, exhibitions and more
The purpose-built venue will – for the first time – allow Hull to attract large corporate and association conferences, exhibitions and trade tours as well as major touring concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows and sporting events, complementing what is currently offered at existing venues.
The preferred site for the new development is in the heart of the city centre to the west of Princes Quay, where it will provide an iconic landmark for visitors travelling to and through the city, as well as offering conference delegates and gig-goers spectacular views of Hull Marina.
The main auditorium will be a flexible, multi-functional space with the capacity to hold audiences of at least 3,500, with high-quality design, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent acoustics, ensuring it will be one of the most sought-after facilities in the region and in the UK.
Development led by Hull City Council
The development of the £30m events and conference venue will be led by Hull City Council and funded through its City Plan budget for major capital projects.
The Council is working with Princes Quay owners, CIT, and their partners, Hull-based Wykeland Group, to finalise land assembly and to bring forward adjacent commercial development, including the potential of a £12m four-star hotel.
The proposals will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet later this month and, if approved, construction work could start next year for completion in 2018.