Hull City Council will soon be asking residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the future of Hull’s much-loved Victoria Pier.
As part of its on-going infrastructure investment programme, Hull City Council is preparing to launch a public engagement poll in the coming weeks to help narrow down the future design of Victoria Pier.
Located on the north bank of the Humber Estuary, Victoria Pier is a historically significant public asset and one of Hull’s most recognisable maritime landmarks.
The pier has been closed to the public since June 2022, after structural monitoring and detailed inspections revealed it was in very poor condition. Several defects were identified, including localised rotting across most sections.
Due to this deterioration, the existing pier will be removed, at a point yet to be determined, to ensure public safety.
However, recognising the pier’s historical importance, the council is committed to investing in a replacement.
To support this long‑term investment, Mason Clark Associates have developed three potential outline design options, on behalf of the council, each offering a different layout for the future pier.
Before any decisions are made, the public will have the chance to vote on which illustrative design option they prefer, in terms of layout.
The chosen option will then be developed further into a detailed design.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council said: “Victoria Pier is an important part of Hull’s Maritime history. We know how much it means to our residents, and this poll is a vital step towards the pier once again becoming a welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy and reflect on our city’s heritage.
“When the poll opens, it will give everyone a chance to vote on how they want the pier to look – by choosing the layout they feel is most suitable – ultimately leading to a pier for future generations to enjoy.”
Further information about the poll, including its launch date, will be shared in the coming weeks.
To keep-up-to-date, visit Victoria Pier | Programmes – Bridges | Hull
History of the pier
The pier that stands today is the latest version of the structure which has evolved over two centuries. The original, known as Corporation Pier, first opened in the early 19th century, between 1801 and 1805. This early version of the pier ran parallel to the shoreline to protect the boat landings from rough seas. It wasn’t connected to the mainland until 1847.
Over the years, the pier has evolved through several major alterations. A floating pontoon was attached in 1877, by which time the structure had come to be known as Victoria Pier. Further expansion took place in 1881 with the construction of a top promenade deck.
However, the structure proved vulnerable to both the post-war years and the elements. The approach to the floating pontoon collapsed in 1963, and just a year later tenders were invited for the demolition of the promenade deck.
Throughout the pier’s history, it has taken many different forms. It’s been rebuilt, altered, repaired, and partially demolished many times. Its present form is therefore the result of continuous change rather than the survival of its original Victorian design.