Hull’s East Park is to undergo a programme of improvements from next week.
Hull City Council has said the project aims to enhance accessibility and increase parking spaces, ensuring the park remains a safe and enjoyable place for all visitors. A key highlight of the scheme will be the reopening of the main entrance gate, on Holderness Road.
The entrance was closed in 2020 due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions. To support the reopening of the gate, a new footpath will be constructed, as well as the installation of signs and lines for a new road layout with a one-way system, the creation of accessible parking spaces and added speed tables.
Only a limited section of the road within the park will be accessible to vehicles under this new layout. Tactile paving, designed to aid individuals with visual impairments, will also be installed at crossing points, and new bollards will be added for pedestrian safety.
The work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 27, and is due to be complete in mid-July, weather permitting. For the safety of park users, and the construction workers, the work zones will be fenced off, leading to some park activities being obstructed while the work takes place.
The scheme was initially developed in response to issues raised by the Choices and Rights Disability Coalition. Following this, and to ensure community input, public engagement sessions were held in December 2023 at Woodford Leisure Centre and the planned improvements have been shaped by the feedback gathered during these events.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “East Park is one of Hull’s most cherished green spaces, and ensuring it is accessible for all visitors is a top priority for us. The reopening of the main entrance gate on Holderness Road, along with the other improvements, will significantly enhance the park’s inclusivity, functionality, and appeal.
“We would like to thank our park users for their patience and understanding while we carry out these works.” Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads, and highways at the council, said: “The reopening of East Park’s main entrance is a key step in improving accessibility, ensuring that all visitors – particularly those with mobility challenges – can enjoy the park more easily.
“Alongside the gate reopening, new footpaths, parking spaces, and safety measures have been introduced to make navigation smoother and more convenient while balancing the needs of different park users. We recognise the importance of preserving East Park’s welcoming atmosphere and have carefully designed these improvements to enhance access while maintaining pedestrian safety.
“These changes reflect ongoing efforts to create a functional, inclusive space, ensuring that the park remains an enjoyable destination for the entire community.” The scheme will be carried out by Wright Civil Engineering Limited on behalf of the council.
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