Construction works on Princes Dock Street have been halted to help local businesses.
To support the vibrant hospitality scene during the crucial spring and summer trading months, Hull City Council has paused work on the improvement programme. It will allow local businesses to fully utilise outdoor spaces and offer a welcoming experience to customers enjoying the warmer weather.
The first phase of improvement works, delivered by contractor C R Reynolds, is now complete. These upgrades form part of a broader project funded by National Highways to enhance the public realm and improve the pedestrian experience in the city centre.
This first phase of works to the footpaths has been delivered to meet the timelines set by National Highways for spending their Designated Funding. The completed works at both the southern and northern ends of Princes Dock Street feature new granite surfacing, complementing the high-quality finishes seen across Hull’s city centre. These improvements aim to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
As part of this initiative, the popular outdoor dining parklets have returned to the street. These parklets create a lively atmosphere, providing additional space for outdoor dining and socialising – a key benefit to local cafes and bars throughout the summer.
The remaining construction works, including the installation of new trees, seating, and permanent customer seating to replace temporary parklets will resume in October 2025. This final phase is designed to further enhance the area while minimising disruption to businesses during their busiest months.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We recognise that the summer months are the busiest periods for local businesses, and we are committed to supporting them in every way possible.
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“By pausing the works and allowing for the return of outdoor dining parklets, we hope to provide a vibrant and welcoming environment that benefits both the local businesses and their customers. We’re excited to see the area come to life and look forward to continuing our work after the busy summer period to further enhance the street for everyone.”
Humber Dock Street and High Street are also part of the wider programme to invigorate the streets to create more accessible, inviting and flexible spaces for all as well as improve create a new maritime trail connecting the city’s key heritage treasures being restored as part of the wider Hull Maritime programme. Works are well underway, and businesses are being supported by the council to minimise disruption as much as possible.
The full improvement programme for Princes Dock Street is expected to be completed in early 2026, delivering long-term benefits for the community and reinforcing the area’s appeal as a key destination within the city centre.