Queens Gardens: £11.7m refurb gets under way

IMPROVED: An artist’s impression of how Queens Gardens could look

Work has begun on the £11.7m redevelopment of Queens Gardens.

The first stage will include the refurbishment of the Rose Bowl Fountain and the removal of the bandstand, which is being relocated to Pickering Park.

The initial work will also see the planting of the first Metasequoia tree – a fast-growing species of conifer known as redwood, which can grow to 50 metres in height.

Tree-planting is a key feature of the project, and will feature species that can cope with changes in climate, Hull City Council said, and native trees.

Some of the planting is to replace trees in poor condition, or which will have to be removed to enable structural repairs or to accommodate the new design of the gardens.

For every tree removed, three will be planted either in the gardens or in other city centre locations.

Some of the trees within the planting scheme are on the endangered species list.

The first stage of works, by contractor CR Reynolds, will also see the demolition of the café and the removal of the Robinson Crusoe plaque, which will be placed elsewhere in the city centre, although the council did not say where.

The overall project will improve accessibility and visitor flows, the rebuilding the perimeter walls, the introduction of bespoke pieces of art, the improvement of biodiversity, and the regeneration of a “much-loved open space”.

The history of the gardens will be incorporated in its design, reconnecting it with its origins as a former dock.

The project also includes the introduction of a large and flexible event space.

The redevelopment will incorporate modern, eco-friendly features, including electric charging points for taxis.

The council said the plans are sympathetic to those of Sir Fredrick Gibberd, one of England’s most distinguished 20th-century architects, who redesigned the gardens in the 1950s.

The Queens Gardens refurbishment is an integral part of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project as it will link the Hull Maritime Museum to the North End Shipyard, which will be the new home of historic trawler Arctic Corsair.

The shipyard is being transformed into a new visitor attraction, which will tell its rich story for the first time.

Council leader Daren Hale said: “Today marks the start of this fantastic project that will transform our city centre and play an important role in our future prosperity.

“I am pleased we are starting near the Rose Bowl, much improving accessibility for all residents and visitors to this much-loved space near the fountain.

“Queens Gardens is a fantastic urban green space but it is in desperate need of redevelopment and investment. I am particularly excited about the planting of already established mature rare trees as part of this development, which will future-proof it to react to challenges posed by climate change.”

“The Queens Gardens redevelopment, alongside the new urban park we are creating as part of the Albion Square development, demonstrates our commitment to, and value of green spaces”

The first stage is due to be completed in June, with the entire project expected to be finished late next year.