Plans for new cruise terminal location in Hull revealed
Councillors will consider proposals later this month
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
A new location for a planned cruise terminal in Hull is among plans to redevelop one of the city’s dockland areas set to go before councillors this month.
Cruise ships would dock at a new facility at the Albert and William Wright Dock, south of the A63 and west of Hull Marina.
The Western Docklands area plans also propose waterfront housing, attracting businesses to the Smith & Nephew site when the company leaves and keeping Hull’s Ice Arena in its current location.
Hull City Council Regeneration Portfolio Holder Cllr Paul Drake-Davis said the proposals would get the potential out of the area and bring huge benefits more widely.
The Western Docklands Design Brief, outlining the vision for the site between Hessle Road and Albert Dock including Kingston Retail Park, is set for further discussions this month.
It is due to go before the council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, November 21 before then going to the Cabinet the following Monday for a decision.
If the Cabinet backs the plans, which went out for consultation between February and March, a final version will be drawn up.
The council is seeking to use the Design Brief to support existing local businesses in the area and promote further commercial activity in the area.
The draft Design Brief initially proposed a leisure and entertainment led regeneration but those who took part in the council’s consultation preferred keeping its employment use.
Proposals include a medical technology centre at the Smith & Nephew if plans for the company to relocate to the East Riding go ahead.
There would be potential for more leisure developments around the Ice Arena and at the Kingston Retail Park which would be better connected to the city centre.
Plans also propose more green spaces in the area and pedestrian and cycling routes.
Land south of Wellington Street West would also be earmarked for homes but proposed housing across the overall area would be scaled back following concerns raised in the consultation.
The cruise terminal would be located at the bullnose of the Albert and William Wright Dock, though this will be dependent on external funding.
The draft Design Brief stated the building should be a gateway to the city and built in line with its maritime heritage.
Traffic from visitors should also be directed away from any existing or proposed housing developments on the opposite side of the dock.
The location was chosen because of its links to the rest of the city.
Original plans for a cruise terminal at Sammy’s Point by The Deep were scrapped in July last year because of fears over its impact on the aquarium.
Cllr Drake-Davis said the council had listened to locals and businesses in drawing up the plans for the Western Docklands, including the new cruise terminal location.
The portfolio holder said: “The council sees real potential for positive regeneration and change in the West Docklands area and this new masterplan will help to make that a reality.
“This plan aims to bring employment and economic growth to the area, as well as the retention of the ice arena and expansion of leisure activities.
“Now, this new plan is an important stepping stone in getting the potential out of the West Docklands area and ensuring the rest of the city sees its huge benefits.”