Work starts on new maritime visitor attraction
HERITAGE: An artist’s impression of the forthcoming North End Shipyard. Picture credit: Hull City Council
By Simon Bristow
This is how a new maritime visitor attraction could look as work begins on the site near the River Hull.
Piling work has started on North End Shipyard, which will be home to key elements of the Hull Maritime project, including historic former trawler Arctic Corsair and the city’s last remaining Scotch Derrick crane, both of which are currently being restored.
The site will also feature two-storey visitor centre at the former shipyard, which will be built to 'Passivhaus' standards, meaning the building will require very little energy to run and will be one of the most energy efficient buildings in the UK’s cultural sector.
Once complete it is estimated the Hull Maritime project - which also includes a major refurbishment of Hull’s Maritime Museum, the reconfiguration of Dock Office Chambers, and the restoration of Spurn Lightship, will add - £5.5m to the local economy.
The shipyard is expected to open to visitors in summer 2024.
Piling work starts at the former North End Shipyard. Picture credit: Hull City Council
Work now underway includes 38 piles being driven into the site using a piling rig and a three-tonne hammer. The piles will be drilled down as far as 24 metres in places. A raft foundation will be laid once the piling mat has been removed and 1,000 tonnes of recycled stone taken away.
Hull construction company, Ashcourt Construction Ltd, has been appointed to undertake the work.
Visitors will be able to get up close to Arctic Corsair to learn more about her working life, her record-breaking catch, and what it was like to work on the trawler with first-hand experiences from former fishermen.
The visitor centre will also highlight the historical significance of the shipyard, which will have its story told for the very first time.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is great to see work get underway to create a new visitor attraction for the city.
“We know how much the Arctic Corsair is loved by many, and it is only right she is going to take centre stage in a new location and out of the water, protecting her for future generations. All thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and lottery players.
“Residents will be able to explore their maritime heritage, a trawler that played a major role in our fishing industry and also learn about the shipbuilding past at the shipyard.”
Anne Jenkins, executive director, business delivery at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Arctic Corsair is well loved by the people of Hull, and we’re thrilled to see this milestone in the creation of a sustainable and accessible visitor centre for the ship being reached.
“It’s great to see this part of Hull Maritime and the project as a whole progressing well. Thanks to National Lottery players Hull’s significant maritime heritage will be at the heart of the fantastic city’s economic regeneration and ensure that for its residents, it’s a city to really be proud of.”
Andy Newbitt, construction director at Ashcourt Group, said: “We are thrilled to be working on the North End Shipyard project that combines a historic development with a modern and futuristic approach to create an energy efficient building and set the standard for the future of a sustainable city and industry. As a local business, we strive to continually support the community and we are proud to be a part of this new attraction for Hull.”