Plans for the future of the South Blockhouse site have been revealed.
The proposals were made publicly available for the first time yesterday, Sunday 4 December, at a community engagement event at the Fruit Market with residents in the surrounding area and visitors able to be amongst the first to view the new images.
The plans are also available to view online here with an opportunity for residents to share views on the proposals and help shape how the site tells the stories of the South Blockhouse.
The proposals will see the site completely transformed, with hard and soft landscaping framing the footprint of the South Blockhouse and majestic, ghostly structures rising from the ground to give a sense of the structure and scale of the original building.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “The South Blockhouse captured everyone’s imagination over the summer during the 11-week archaeological dig, exposing the astounding remains of parts of Hull’s Tudor defences.
“The council is really keen to get feedback on these plans on how we celebrate and highlight the site for future generations.”
Located on the east bank of the River Hull, the South Blockhouse is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of both national and local importance, in a rare cloverleaf design. Its construction was ordered by Henry VIII in 1541 to support military campaigns and to protect Hull as a vital port from internal and external threats, working as one element in a larger scheme of state-of-the art defences on the east side of the river.
The project is linked to Hull Maritime, a locally-led project funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a key cultural regeneration scheme in the heart of Hull’s city centre that will protect and celebrate 800 years of Hull’s maritime heritage.
The South Blockhouse Project has been made possible by feasibility funding from National Highways, who have Government funding to deliver benefits to communities above and beyond maintaining and operating England’s strategic road network. The project, worth around £1.25m in total, is being put forward for a further £1m in funding for the design and delivery.
National Highways manages four designated funds, allocated by the Government, to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads.
Find out more information on National Highways’ designated funds.
Click here to find out more about the ongoing A63 Castle Street major project.
Frances Oliver, National Highways Project Manager for the A63 Castle Street scheme, said: “We’re really excited about the South Blockhouse project. It was fascinating to uncover more about this part of Hull’s maritime history during the archaeological digs as part of the A63 Castle Street Project. Now people can find out more about the monument and be part of its future.
“As well as building and maintaining the strategic road network, National Highways is also dedicated to making sure the historic environment and heritage surrounding our roads is protected at every stage through its Designated Funds programme. This is why it’s so important for us to work with our partners and experts to preserve sites of special historic interest. We encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and help shape the scheme so this amazing monument can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Further in-person events will follow in the new year, offering more chances for people to have their say on the proposals.
