Hull City Council will begin the first phase of improvements around the Queen Victoria Square fountains, starting with the temporary removal of selected benches on Wednesday 16 July from 8.30am.
Three benches closest to the fountains will be removed tomorrow and refurbished to provide a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming public space. The refurbishment and reconfiguration of the benches will help to reduce litter build-up, and discourage bird feeding, protecting the fountain’s water quality.
Once the benches have been removed, they will be taken to a secure storage facility where local contractors Fairburns will carry out design adaptations, including improved airflow beneath the seating to prevent waste accumulation.
To ensure Queen Victoria Square is safe and clean following the removal of the benches, the council’s street cleansing team will be on site to thoroughly clean the space and address any waste or hazards uncovered during the process.
In addition to the bench improvements, the council will also be installing new signage to discourage bird feeding and is working with pest control officers to determine the most suitable long-term strategy for managing birds in the area.
The approach follows the successful scheme recently completed on Whitefriargate, where benches were removed, refurbished, and reinstated to enhance the public realm.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council said: “Queen Victoria Square is a focal point of our city centre, and the fountains are a much-loved feature.
“Therefore, we want to make sure they stay clean, safe, and running smoothly throughout the summer.
“These bench improvements are proactive step toward ensuring that, and they’re part of a bigger plan to make our public spaces more inviting and better cared for. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this work.”
