A heritage building and tourist attraction in Hull’s old town will add to its current offering thanks to support from Levelling Up Funding.
The building, owned by the National Trust, will benefit from a grant totalling nearly £111,000 following an application submitted to the first round of Hull City Council’s government-backed grant scheme.
This will help to revitalise Maister House at 160 High Street, bringing with it additional employment opportunities.
The Grade I listed Georgian building is a rare surviving reminder of the thriving international trade the city enjoyed during that period.
The Levelling Up Funding will help to support a £277,000 project which will consist of structural works including a new roof lantern, stair well and ceilings.
The National Trust’s application meets the funding programme’s objectives of bringing back into use 97.2sqm of unused floor space and restoring heritage buildings.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The Levelling Up Funding has already unlocked some fantastic potential in Hull city centre.
“Part of the criteria is to restore and link to the city’s heritage, something which we are rightly proud of in Hull, which is exactly what this grant for Maister House will do, safeguarding its future for generations to enjoy.
“Maister House is already a popular attraction with visitors and I am sure that this grant-funded project will only enhance that.”
The Levelling Up Funding will allow the National Trust to accelerate long-term ambitions to make the building more accessible and open to a wider and more diverse audience.
It will also provide the opportunity for Maister House’s current tenant, Eclectic Music, to expand and grow its contribution to Hull’s Cultural Strategy, as well further employment opportunities.
Danny Thompson, from Eclectic Music, added: “The Levelling Up Funding is going to help us continue to offer and deliver our range of creative services whilst continuing to support some of the amazing independent grassroots artists and practitioners right here in the heart of Hull.
“Maister House is one of Hull’s hidden gems and we are so proud to be continually involved in every step of its fascinating journey, celebrating it as a centre for high quality, independent, artistic creativity.”
