An event has taken place to celebrate the life of Hull City Council Director of Regeneration Mark Jones.
Mark died in September, at the age of 66, following a short illness.
Known affectionately by many as ‘Mr Hull’, he was awarded an MBE in 2016 in recognition of his dedication and commitment to economic regeneration and inward investment in the city.
He had a 49-year career working in local government, first joining Humberside County Council as a clerical assistant in 1974, before switching to Hull City Council in 1995.
He would go on to be responsible for many major projects in the city, including getting Hull ready to stage the 2017 City of Culture, which he saw through from the bid process to delivery.
Mark also played a huge role in helping to bring Siemens to Hull, working alongside them and ABP to fully realise the potential of the offshore renewables sector.
He was also lead officer for flood mitigation in Hull, and was particularly proud to be the senior officer lead for care leavers.
He was the guiding light behind Hull City Council’s Room 42 initiative, a project providing a place for young people to meet and have their voices heard.
Phil Morris, who’s from the project, said: “Mark’s determination to open up opportunities for young people was nothing less than inspirational.
“His down to earth approach was well received by young people, who felt valued by him, and felt he was someone who genuinely cared.
“He certainly opened a lot of doors for our young people and enabled them to realise their potential and absolutely fly.”
Helen Stinson, Port and Transnational Officer at Hull City Council, worked with Mark during the entirety of his 28 years in The Guildhall, including helping to bring Siemens to the city.
She said: “I worked with him solidly for probably 5 or 6 years on Siemens, looking at site selection, through all the planning and recruitment processes.
“Mark pulled together a multi-disciplinary team across planning, environmental health and legal to work on the Siemens investment, to make sure it happened.
“Mark would muck in, he would help – even as our boss, he was always there.”
The celebration event was held at The Guildhall in Hull on Friday 10 November, where the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull, Councillor Kalvin Neal, welcomed Mark’s family to join his friends and colleagues.
A film was shown with memories of those who worked with Mark, and speeches were made by Hull City Council Leader Councillor Mike Ross, Labour group Deputy Leader Councillor Hester Bridges, former Council Leader and Honorary Alderman Stephen Brady, and Council Chief Executive Matt Jukes.
A book of condolence was available to sign, with the messages of support being given to Mark’s loved ones following the event.
