A number of major projects are set to be completed
2026 is set to be the year when a number major projects in Hull city centre are completed. Several significant projects on roads, parks, and visitor attractions are all expected to come to an end, some after considerable set-backs.
In anticipation of the many projects that are set to be completed, Hull was recognised by National Geographic as one of the top 25 places to visit in the whole world. Hull was named alongside the likes of Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, and Fiji in the list of best destinations for 2026.
Maritime Museum
Hull’s Maritime Museum in Queen Victoria Square is finally set to reopen in summer 2026, around six years after the museum closed for a ‘three-year closure’. Both the items on display to the public, and the building itself, have been enhanced ahead of its grand reopening.
When the public are able to return to the city centre attraction, it will display 50 per cent more objects than before. Earlier this year, items began to return to the museum after having being stored in the South of England. The Maritime Museum is specifically identified in the National Geographic piece which says the museum’s reopening “will crown almost a decade of works centred on Hull’s internationally important seafaring history.”
Queen’s Gardens
Across the road from the Maritime Museum sits another multi-year project that has had its fair share of setbacks. In 2019, Hull City Council approved plans to spend £4 million on refurbishing the city centre gardens. Over £21 million later, the gardens are set to fully reopen in the spring of 2026.
The work has included each of the three ponds being entirely refurbished. The council say that between the three, over 600 tonnes of silt was removed during the refurbishments.
Part of the gardens has already reopened. Part of the Rose Bowl section reopened in the July, with the Rose Bowl fountain itself having recently been turned back on.
A63 Castle Street
The major highways project which has seen part of the A63 being lowered, allowing for Ferensway to meet Commercial Road at street level, is set to be completed soon. Following the £355 million project, driver’s are expected to be able to go on the new underpass in the spring.
Like the Maritime Museum and Queen’s Gardens, the A63 project has seen its anticipated completion date being set back. In December 2024, National Highways announced they were working towards a completion date in Spring 2026, after previously hoping to finish the scheme in Spring 2025.
Part of the A63 will be closed overnight in both directions for much of January. In preparation to be connected with Ferensway, Commercial Road is being resurfaced.
North End Shipyard
The new home of the iconic Arctic Corsair is set to be completed in 2026 at the North End Shipyard. The dry dock on the western bank of the River Hull is to become a new visitor centre celebrating Hull’s rich maritime history whilst allowing visitors to learn about the life of a trawlerman and the vessel itself.
Despite the new visitor centre having been completed, the vessel itself is yet to arrive at its new home. In order for the Arctic Corsair to dock, part of the river will have to be dredged. The council recently submitted plans for the dredging of the river between Drypool Bridge and North Bridge.
Humber Dock Street & Princes Dock Street
Projects to make both Humber Dock Street and Princes Dock Street more accessible and inclusive are set to completed in early 2026. Both streets are being improved as part of a new Maritime Trail which seeks to connect Hull’s Old Town and Fruit Market.
In addition to enhanced accessibility, the scheme includes tree planting, additional seating, and new signage telling the story of the city’s rich history. The scheme is set to be completed in the spring.
Albion Square
Work on the Albion Square development, which would transform a large section of the city centre, is set to continue in 2026. The council are aiming for the former BHS building to be demolished by the end of 2026 to allow for the regeneration of to the site.
The Grade-II listed Three Ships mural is to remain in place throughout the work. A steel frame will be erected to secure the mural whilst the building it sits on is demolished. Whilst the project will not be completed in 2026, if the former BHS building is demolished it will vastly change the look of the city centre.
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