Hull’s historic Spurn Lightship is to be moved, for the first time in 30 years, on Wednesday 5 September by local marine specialists ahead of work to install a new footbridge over one of Hull’s main roads.
Highways England is expected to begin work on the ‘Princes Quay’ footbridge in autumn 2018. This landmark bridge, part funded by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, is the first phase of the A63 Castle Street Improvements scheme.
The move will take place from 10am, subject to weather, when the light-vessel will be carefully maneuvered by local specialists, Northern Divers (ENG) Ltd, to a temporary location near the ship HMS Pickle on Hull Marina where she will be moored until 2021.
The Spurn Lightship will stay in Hull Marina until 2021 and is set to receive specialist conservation work, subject to additional funding. It will then move to a new permanent home, near the Holiday Inn, on the Marina, as part of the £27.4m Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City programme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hull City Council to redevelop the city’s major maritime offer including sites and vessels.
Councillor Daren Hale, Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment, Regeneration, Planning, Land and Property, said: “This move is part of the wider A63 footbridge project and the first visible sign of works starting. We are working really closely with Highways England to ensure everything is in place so the planned works for the new footbridge can begin.
“The new footbridge and wider plans to the A63 will make a huge contribution to improving traffic flow as well as reconnecting the city centre with the much-loved waterfront and Fruit Market. We’re looking forward to seeing the improvements develop as the works progress.”
Tom Peckitt, Highways England Project Manager, said: “Moving the Spurn Lightship is a key milestone as we prepare to start work on Princes Quay Bridge. I look forward to continuing our close working relationship with Hull City Council as work progresses.”
The Spurn Lightship will return with rejuvenated exhibitions and longer opening hours with improved signage, allowing everyone to admire the historic nature of the vessel.
For more information on the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City, visit www.cityplanhull.co.uk/index.php/hull-yorkshires-maritime-city/