Hull City Council’s cabinet is set to review proposals for a five-year investment programme to improve and enhance Hull’s infrastructure, preserve its history and keep the city moving.
A report, which represents a shift in the council’s approach by bringing capital spending, maintenance and inspections together to ensure the longevity and conservation of the city’s assets, will be considered on Monday 23 June.
The report follows detailed inspections across Hull, with a focus on:
- Bridges.
- Statues and monuments.
- Fountains.
Among its recommendations are:
- The identification and prioritisation of schemes, particularly in relation to the city’s bridges, including strengthening schemes for Hessle Road Flyover, Sutton Road Bridge, Sutton Road Flyover and North Bridge as well as the replacement of bearings on Ennerdale Bridge, Stoneferry Bridge and Millennium Footbridge.
- New provision to work specifically with specialist contractors to undertake cleaning regimes, structural repairs and general maintenance for statues and monuments.
- Ongoing testing, cleaning and maintenance regimes for Hull’s fountains.
- Safety works to Victoria Pier and the River Hull Walkway and exploring feasibility for their replacement.
As well as maintaining and improving Hull’s infrastructure, the proposed programme would support local businesses and facilitate economic growth and development in the city and the wider region by proactively prioritising infrastructure works based on improving the network and improving safety, helping to avoid unplanned emergency closures on key routes.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “While the report is subject to cabinet approval, what is being proposed is a long-term plan to fix a number of key highways and infrastructure issues across the city, in a structured and planned way, over the next five years.
“By developing a comprehensive and proactive programme we will not only maintain and enhance the city’s infrastructure, but we will also preserve Hull’s cultural heritage and ensure safe and reliable transport links.
“One of the key areas of this report relates to bridges. Detailed inspections have highlighted the need for repairs and upgrades to these structures which are needed to maintain their use well into the future and to ensure all motorists and members of the travelling public remain safe as they travel in and around our city.
“However, this investment is not just about maintaining infrastructure and preserving history; it’s also about supporting Hull’s economy, helping to provide equal access to opportunities and resources as well as supporting education, training, employment and cultural events.”
