There are concerns over why proposals for a new ice arena aren't included in the latest draft on developing Hull's Albion Square
The latest plans would include a large urban park, and new houses
New plans to develop Albion Square in Hull has met with criticism from opposition councillors because they no longer include a new ice arena.
The latest proposals would include a large urban park, new houses, retail space and the 3 ships mural.
Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader Cllr Mike Ross said:
“The Council have dismally failed residents of the city, they promised a new ice arena and they've made a screeching U-turn.
"The Liberal Democrats will be demanding how much money Labour Council bosses have wasted on the development so far.
"With dither and delay on the Ice Arena developments, leaving residents in limbo, the council have serious questions to answer. They've rowed back with no new plan for what happens to the Ice Arena now. It is not good enough and the residents of Hull will rightly be demanding answers."
Hull City Council is stressing they will look at alternative locations for an arena.
The proposal for Albion Square no longer includes an Ice Arena, with Hull City Council electing to explore other areas of the city centre for the new arena.
The plans still retain Alan Boyson’s Three Ships Mural, which will be incorporated and made a key component of the new development.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said:
“The Albion Square development is a transformational project for Hull, in the heart of our city centre.
“These new plans will create a city centre oasis, a place where people will be keen to live, work, relax and socialise.
“We know how important green spaces are to residents and visitors, that is why we have invested significantly in the refurbishment of Queens Gardens, Pearson Park, Pickering Park, East Park, as well as in many other parks and green spaces across the city.
“There is a huge demand for premium city centre residential property, as we’ve seen with the success of projects like the Fruit Market on the marina, so this mixture of first-class residential property and office space is the ideal option for Albion Square.
“The inclusion of an urban woodland will create an iconic city centre location that the whole city can enjoy.”
Detailed plans for the Albion Square development will be submitted to Hull City Council’s planning committee later this year.