Hull City Council has issued an updated on the expected reopening of the East Park gates. In May the council announced a series of works that would see the reopening completed by ‘mid-July.’
The gates were temporarily opened this weekend prompting questions whether this was a sign of things to come or simply a one off. The council has now explained this weekend opening and given an update into when the gates will be permanently reopened.
The gates, which allowed people to drive into the park, were closed in 2020 in an effort to promote adherence to social distancing rules. Ever since the closure, there has been strong views on either side of the debate for reopening the gates to the public.
In May the council announced a series of works at East Park which would involve the long awaited reopening of the gates. The council, at the time, also explained that to support the reopening of the gates a new footpath would 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.
At the time, Cllr 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.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads, and highways added: “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.”
Despite the work being due to finish in ‘mid-July’, the gates are yet to be fully reopened. Over the weekend (July 26/27) the gates were spotted to be open, however, this was short lived and the gates have since been closed again.
(Image: Sofie Jackson)
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After being asked by the Hull Daily Mail why the gates were open this weekend and why was this only temporary, a spokesperson from Hull City Council said: “Due to East Park’s overflow car park being in a poor condition following heavy rain and additional traffic, the main gates of East Park were temporarily opened at the weekend to accommodate demand for the Saturday morning Park Run and also weekend visitors.”
The council were also asked to provide an update on the work that was due to finish in “mid-July”. The spokesperson added: “Further information on the planned improvements at East Park will be issued in due course.”
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