'˜Curvier' look for £36m conference centre as council seeks to win over its own critics

It comes after the surprise refusal of plans for the Hull Venue at a planning committee meeting last December.

The latest plans seek to address one of the reasons for refusal - that the design was not of “adequately high standard.”

But whether it is enough to convince councillors, including one who slated its “absolutely shocking design”, is yet to be seen.

While the layout and site off Osborne Street remain the same, its angular prow - criticised as being yet another “pointy” building reminiscent of the city’s Deep aquarium - has been softened and made “curvier.”

The proposals have already been shown to councillors at a pre-planning meeting, ahead of a decision in March.

The 3,500-capacity multi-use auditorium will have retractable seating and a moveable acoustic wall so it can be used for everything from an “intimate” music gig to an exhibition. It will have “generous” plazas outside, linking to the rest of the city centre.

The council claims it will attract 240,000 visitors a year and inject £13.8m into the local economy.

But Opposition councillors have questioned the impact of paying back the interest on long-term borrowing for the building - thought to be around £1m a year - on cash-strapped frontline services.

Lib Dem group leader Coun Mike Ross said: “We still have serious concerns about the council being the organisation taking the lead on this - should it not be the private sector?” He is also concerned that a successful Venue could leave Hull City Hall standing empty.

Council leader Steve Brady said he was confident that the plans would be approved this time. He added: “It has been very well received by the public of Hull who feel like we have needed something like this for a long time.

“In terms of regeneration the area around Princes Quay (shopping centre) has obviously suffered because of St Stephen’s. This has given Princes Quay renewed confidence to invest millions. The area has been lacking in investment for a long time.”