Cruise ship terminal back on agenda at new dock site

‘POTENTIAL’: The West Docklands site with the proposed cruise terminal on the right. Image by Hull City Council

By Simon Bristow

New housing, an improved ice arena and “consideration” of a new cruise ship facility at Albert and William Wright Docks will be on the agenda at a meeting of Hull City Council’s cabinet later this month.

Senior councillors will meet to discuss a report detailing what has been described as an “exciting” design brief for the West Docklands area.

This would set a planning framework for the development and regeneration of the area, which is bounded by the operational Albert and William Wright Docks to the south, the A63 to the north, Daltry Street to the west and Commercial Road and Manor House Street to the east.

Plans for a reported £73m cruise terminal at another location near The Deep were scrapped by the ruling Liberal Democrats shortly after their election win in 2022, with leader Mike Ross calling the scheme, planned by the previous Labour administration, “unworkable”.

As well as opposition from some residents there were also concerns about the potential impact on The Deep’s animals.

Now an alternative site for the cruise terminal will be considered if external funding is available.

The council said today that the West Docklands framework seeks to:

• Support existing local businesses in the area

• Promote further employment growth, in particular, a new medi-tech centre

• Secure an area of new housing to the south of Wellington Street West

• Retain and improve the ice arena

• Allow for the consideration of a cruise facility at the Albert and William Wright Dock, dependent on external funding.

Following formal consultation earlier this year, the report seeks approval to finalise plans and to ensure that all interested parties are aware.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The council sees real potential for positive regeneration and change in the West Docklands area and this new masterplan will help to make that a reality.

“This plan aims to bring employment and economic growth to the area, as well as the retention of the ice arena and expansion of leisure activities.

“The council has listened to local businesses and residents, who’ve helped get us to this point.

“Now, this new plan is an important stepping stone in getting the potential out of the West Docklands area and ensuring the rest of the city sees its huge benefits.”

The plans will be considered at a cabinet meeting on November 27.