Hull City Council is hosting a series of public engagement events as it launches its £6million Community Highstreets investment project.
The citywide scheme aims to reinvigorate high streets through enhancing quality of place, environmental performance, accessibility, community services and satisfaction, as well as increasing footfall and reducing shop vacancy rates.
An online survey will launch on Friday 31 January here ahead of in-person consultation sessions to find out what changes people would like to see in their centres and to help shape their futures.
Six in-person sessions are confirmed, with more to be added as the consultation runs throughout February. The team will also be speaking to local schools and community groups to get their views.
HEY Volunteers will be visible in communities to promote the project and encourage participation.
As a token of appreciation, wildflower seeds and tubs of every Hullensian’s favourite seasoning – American Chip Spice – will be handed out at random to those who speak to officers about the project.
Cllr Jack Haines, portfolio holder for communities at the council, said: “The council is committed to supporting all areas of Hull, not just our city centre.
“Local and neighbourhood centres are vital to sustaining thriving communities and our multi-cultural and diverse centres should be celebrated.
“It is pleasing that the council is able to dedicate the Community Highstreets scheme to ensuring their long-term sustainability and I look forward to hearing the views of residents and stakeholders.”
Following the High Street Accelerator pilot programme in the Stepney area of Beverley Road, the council earmarked a major investment of £6 million for improvement works on high streets across the city.
Community Highstreets is a grassroots and community-led project, with all improvement works coming from direct responses provided by those who give their feedback as part of the survey.
Confirmed public engagement sessions so far are:
Anlaby Road/Coltman Street – Maurice Rawlings Community Centre, 41 Bean Street, HU3 2PU, Monday 3rd February 3-5pm.
Gipsyville – Gipsyville Library, 728-730 Hessle Road, HU4 6JA, Wednesday 5th February 10am to 2pm.
Grampian Way – Pennine Community Centre, Grampian Way, Bransholme, HU7 5EF, Tuesday 11th February 9am to 12pm.
Barham Road – The Barham Public House, 663 Marfleet Lane, HU9 4TN, Friday 14th February 2-5pm.
Chanterlands Avenue – The Avenues Library, 76 Chanterlands Avenue, HU5 3TS, Monday 17th February 9.30am to 1pm.
Holderness Road/Woodford – Woodford Leisure Centre Café, Holderness Road, HU8 8JU, Wednesday 19th February, 9am to 12pm.
Community Highstreets aligns with Hull’s Corporate Property Strategy 2030 to ensure local centres remain relevant in creating sustainable neighbourhoods and resilient communities.
The strategy also identified the need to review centres and their function and purpose of each in supporting local communities.
The online survey will be available from Friday 31st January for a period of six weeks here.
In addition to launching Community Highstreets, the council will also be presenting the results of the Mini-Masterplan survey and gathering feedback on the designs following previous consultation.
These public sessions are being held at:
Elmbridge Parade/Annadale Road – St Hilda’s Church, Annandale Road, Greatfield, HU9 4JY, Tueday 18th February 10am to 1pm
Greenwich Avenue – Acorn Family Hub, Nestor Grove, HU9 4DB, Tuesday 25th February 1-4pm
Shannon Road – Longhill Family Hub, 160 Shannon Road, Hull, HU8 9RW, Wednesday 26th February 1-4pm.
