‘Hull is a city that really has culture and creativity in its DNA and we regularly have people visiting the gallery from other countries’ the gallery’s CEO explains
The Humber Street Gallery in Hull could be transformed with a spectacular new rooftop space
A contemporary art gallery in Hull could be transformed if ambitious plans to improve its roof terrace are given the green light. Humber Street Gallery has submitted a planning application to revamp the four-storey building, including installing a new lift as part of a drive to make the space significantly more accessible.
The planning application is currently with Hull City Council, with the project depending on securing funding from Arts Council England. If successful, the vision will help secure the long-term future of the gallery as it prepares to mark a decade since its launch during Hull’s year as the UK City of Culture 2017.
The proposed works involve a comprehensive overhaul of every floor in the venue. Plans include reconfiguring the main staircase, installing a larger 13-person accessible lift, upgrading wayfinding throughout. In addition the vision includes a plan to redevelop office spaces, create new workshop areas and offer bookable meeting rooms to outside organisations.
A refreshed frontage will also make the ground floor more visually inviting and focused on displaying artwork. However, it is the hugely improved rooftop terrace that will be the highlight for many visitors, according to Dave McLeavy, CEO and Artistic Director of Humber Street Gallery.
Mr McLeavy explained that the rooftop improvements will make the venue an even more attractive destination, increasing capacity and offering better shelter from bad weather so the space can be used comfortably beyond the spring and summer months.
“This is part of a commitment to a long-term vision for the area, and it is brilliant to have incredible support from the Wykeland Group and Hull City Council to deliver this – they are incredibly supportive of arts and culture,” he said.
“I have worked in cities around the UK and was recently in Sheffield, but the support we have for the arts here is really unrivalled—they can really see the value of what we’re doing.”
Mr McLeavy added: “The Humber Street Gallery is one of Hull’s jewels now in terms of cultural and creative businesses. It’s a city that really has culture and creativity in its DNA. We regularly have people visiting the gallery from other countries, and we’re really excited to be developing new partnerships with global creatives too.”
Making sure culture and creativity is for everyone
Accessibility is a core focus of the redesign. “Ultimately we want this development to make the gallery more welcoming to everyone,” Mr McLeavy emphasised.
“We have been working closely with the Hull Access Group to ensure it caters effectively to wheelchair users, neurodivergent visitors, and people with visual or hearing impairments.”
The gallery team expects a decision on its Arts Council funding bid soon. If both funding and planning permission are granted, construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027 – building on celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Hull 2017 – with completion targeted for early 2028.
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Since opening its doors in February 2017, Humber Street Gallery has established a strong reputation for contemporary art, radical visual culture, and emerging talent.
Over the past decade, it has hosted major retrospectives from Sex Pistols designer Jamie Reid, showcased groundbreaking work from Hull-born avant-garde icon Cosey Fanni Tutti, and hosted prestigious national showcases like the Bloomberg New Contemporaries.
Hull is becoming a magnet for tourists looking for culture and heritage
The gallery’s planned evolution mirrors the broader success story of the Fruit Market district. With the nearby Middle Child studio theatre opening earlier this year alongside a thriving mix of independent cafes and restaurants, the area continues to pull in local residents and international visitors alike.
Hull was recently named in National Geographic’s Best of the World list of top global destinations, citing its rich maritime history and culture-led urban regeneration around Humber Street.
The gallery’s long-term vision for supporting the creative industries and making visual art more accesible should be welcomed, according to Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council.
“The changes that have taken place in the Fruit Market area over the last decade and a half have been truly transformational. Whether it is the new businesses or the extraordinary cultural offering now available, it has added something special to the city,” he said.
“For those who live or work in the area, they have an incredible space to make their life in. Many people and organisations have played their part in making this possible, and they deserve full credit. It is a part of Hull enjoyed by local residents that undeniably helps draw visitors from much further afield as well.”
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