Stepney’s High Street Accelerator (HSA) Pilot Programme will take significant strides forward with several projects due to begin soon.
Contractor PBS Construction Ltd will begin a transformative project in Sculcoates Park this month, which includes plans to refurbish the ‘Red Top’ basketball court, as well as green works for Stepney High Street.
This began on Monday 11 August with Hull City Council’s streetscene team pruning some of the trees near to lighting columns in the park to ensure maximum lighting coverage ahead of improved lighting being installed in September.
Courts and pedestrian/cycling accesses will also be refurbished, making the park safer and more enticing for active use.
The children’s play area will be enclosed and the landscaping will be given a more open feel to enable improved sightlines into the park to deter anti-social behaviour.
Further clearing work will be carried out later in the year to increase park safety, whilst lighting improvements to Epworth Street car park will take place soon.
On Beverley Road, green spaces will be created and improved, with more seating and cycle stands.
To ensure continued community involvement, Hull-based Absolutely Cultured will work with young people over the next 12 months to create Taking Back the Narrative: Stepney Stories.
Another art-based project, in collaboration with Stepney Primary School, will create a legacy within the school, with pupils’ work facing onto the street for the community to enjoy.
Other activities include wrapping communication boxes – working with artists to develop community-based designs on street furniture which otherwise are often targets of graffiti.
Cllr Ted Dolman, portfolio holder for communities at Hull City Council, said: “Community involvement is a key aspect of Stepney High Street Accelerator.
“We have already seen plenty happening in the area since the pilot programme was launched, especially with young people.
“I am delighted that the council has been able to confirm a series of activities to help to enhance the Stepney area further and continue to bring a sense of community pride.
“This programme empowers the people of Stepney and it’s the council’s job to listen to them and help to create a cleaner, greener and safer city.”
The Shop Frontage Scheme will also be re-launching in August with the aim of offering small grants to improve business frontages and the Stepney area of the wider Beverley Road Conservation Area.
This builds on the improvements which have already taken place with the Hot Wash machine removing graffiti and the community Love Your Streets Operative who has become part of the neighbourhood keeping the streets clean and tidy.
Recently installed Litter Hubs encourage the local community to get involved with their branded pickers and bibs.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development, said: “Improvements have already been made to Stepney’s high street and it’s fantastic that grant funding is available to support businesses with enhancing their shop fronts.”
