The story of how Hull's Fruit Market went from rundown and desolate to the heart of the city once again

Fruit and vegetables fresh off ships berthed in the city's docks would be traded in a riotous atmosphere by colourful characters, or packed into lorries and sent for distribution around the country. At its height, 20,000 lettuces were sold by the Fruit Market's wholesalers every week.

In 2009, the area - centred on Humber Street - fell silent after Hull City Council removed the remaining traders to a new out-of-town site. The Fruit Market was to be redeveloped - until the recession put the brakes on, and the empty, desolate buildings originally scheduled for demolition were instead colonised by artists and creative types who 'self-gentrified' the area, looking for cheap studio space.

Bars, cafes, arts venues and galleries sprang up in the old fruit exchanges and merchants' premises along Humber Street to serve this new community, and eventually the developers' investment returned. Now, it has become a desirable residential area home to some of the city's movers and shakers - including a couple who relocated from Australia to live in one of Hull's most historic quarters.

It is the site of Hull's first urban vilage, and building will be complete by the end of 2021 - by which time 300 people will live in the Fruit Market. Developers Beal Homes have now released 28 townhouses that make up the final phase, Finkle Quarter, to prospective buyers.

The location has proved surprisingly lockdown-proof - residents have still been able to enjoy strolls around Hull Marina, and several new businesses have launched.

They are a mix of young professionals, families and even retirees.

The community includes the director of the Wilberforce Institute, the University of Hull department dedicated to research into slavery. Professor Trevor Burnard and his wife Deborah Morgan, a librarian, are both 60 and moved to a Fruit Market loft home when they relocated from Melbourne last autumn.

“We love the atmosphere and vibrancy of the Fruit Market with the bars, restaurants, shops and galleries close by,"said Deborah.

“The demographic is diverse and we’ve met a wide range of people, from young professionals to retired couples, living here.

“Once restrictions are eased, the lifestyle the Fruit Market offers is exactly what we signed up for. We love going for walks around the marina and I can imagine how dynamic and fun it will be in the summer when hopefully everything can reopen. I know we won’t be disappointed.”

Dr Ashraf Hanna, 30, who is training to become a GP, has lived in Scott’s Square with his wife Alyce, 29, since August and they are expecting their first child in February.

Ashraf said: “We moved to Hull from Scarborough and looked at a lot of different areas, but we really like the Fruit Market.

“The marina is lovely, we have dedicated parking, it’s safe and close to the city centre. The community is really nice and people have been so friendly. We’re looking forward to getting to know our neighbours better once restrictions ease.

“The shops and businesses are fantastic and there is a gym around the corner, which is brilliant for me to visit before work when we’re not in lockdown. It’s lovely to be able to walk everywhere.”

First-time buyer Sophie Lee, 25, a consultant in public sector development, moved into her two-bedroom townhouse in Scott’s Square in July 2019.

“There’s a real sense of community. My neighbours have become my friends and we all get on really well. We socialise together on Humber Street and everyone looks out for one another.

“In normal times I use the bars, restaurants, takeaway bakeries and cafés a lot. There is so much choice and something for every occasion.”