Need to know
The council has provided an extra £1.16 million towards the project
A 1640 drawing of the South Blockhouse next to the River Hull(Image: Hull City Council)
Key facts about the planned visitor attraction near The Deep
- A new visitor attraction is set to be built on the East bank of the River Hull. At the site of the former blockhouse and fortress, known as Hull Castle near The Deep, a new heritage attraction will celebrate Hull’s long and varied history.
- The shape of the South Blockhouse will be partially mimicked by three large mesh structures. It was built between 1541 and 1543 and was constructed under the orders of King Henry VIII.
- In addition to the physical site, the attraction will be enhanced by interactive technology, including a dedicated app and QR codes strategically placed throughout the grounds. This will provide augmented reality experiences and multi-sensory storytelling to help bring the history of the site to life for modern audiences.
- Initially, National Highways were expected to provide £1 million of funding for the project, however in Spring 2025, the body announced it was “unable” to do so, putting doubts over the future of the scheme. At the time, the leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross, said he was “extremely disappointed by the decision” whilst the Hull East MP, Karl Turner suggested the project could now be at “risk”, despite planning permission having already been granted.
- Hull City Council have now provided an extra £1.16 million towards the project, securing its future. Cllr Ross said: “The South Blockhouse is a unique part of our city’s history that shaped our city, and by allocating this funding we are preserving an important link to Hull’s past for generations to come.”
- READ THE FULL STORY: Council to fund South Blockhouse attraction after fears over future of project
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