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Riverside project backed at last
PLANS for a massive waterfront development on the River Hull have been given the go-ahead – at the third time of asking.
Councillors on Hull Council's planning committee approved the scheme by a majority yesterday and the city will now see the 100m redevelopment of the historic Clarence Mills, which was run by Rank Hovis until 2005.
In its place will come Hull's tallest building – a 23-storey skyscraper – plus a 53,000 sq ft casino, 246 flats, a 185-room hotel, 143 student houses with a student bar, restaurants, cafes and a convenience store.
Manor Mills Developments had submitted a second revised design for the scheme, which had been rejected at two previous meetings of the committee.
The project has faced strong opposition, maintained in some quarters yesterday, and the Humber Design Review Panel has described the latest designs for the larger of two student blocks as "brutal and sinister".
Coun Rick Welton, who opposed the design from the outset, voted to reject it again and told the committee: "This is an immensely important development and one I think we are all excited about.
"It's because of that it really is important we get it right and think very carefully about whether this scheme has got it right in any field. I have never felt this scheme as a whole responds well to its location on the river and I feel disappointed by the improvements that have been made."
He said the revised design had more to do with "architectural trickery" than significant change, adding: "It wants an international, ground-breaking design."
Committee chairman John Fareham said he agreed with Coun Welton, but their colleagues thought the developer had done enough to convince them and that the city needed investment in the difficult economic climate.
Coun Dave Woods said: "I like part of this design and some parts I don't like.
"But on balance I think the alterations that have been made just tips the balance in favour of this design.
"It's all part of the river corridor development and we are seeing just the beginnings of it now. It would sit well where it is."
Coun Tom McVie also supported the plans, adding: "There comes a time when you've got to accept the fact you can't get 100 per cent of what you want."
Hull Civic Society backed the scheme but asked for a public viewing area to be included on the top floor and said that demolition should not begin until finance for the scheme was in place.
Developer Philip Ackrill told the committee finance was in place and that the accommodation was already part-let.
He said: "There's never been a better time to attract money into Hull. The scheme brings physical improvement to the site and uplifts the whole public realm around the site.
"It brings the riverside back to life with investment and activity and it creates hundreds of much-needed jobs in Hull."
A council officer said English Heritage had not yet decided whether to list the building, which could jeopardise the scheme, but that latest conversations with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
suggested that this was "unlikely".
The plans also include car access off St Peter Street, where another hotel is currently being built.
There will also be parking on the site of the mill development for 305 cars.
Most of the buildings on the site went up in the 1950s, although part of the silo dates back to 1890, and the mill has long been a city landmark.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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