Art installations to go on show in city gardens after £21m revamp
The transformation of Hull city centre’s most important green spaces is nearing completion, with the next phase set to open.
Around half of Queen’s Gardens will open today to visitors who will be able to see new artworks inspired by Hull’s maritime past, rain gardens and a redeveloped Peace Garden after a three-year closure.
Funding of £12m was announced to make improvements at the city centre park in 2021 but the project ended up costing £21m.
The gardens, which started life as a dock in 1778, features enhanced landscaping and planting, improved accessibility, and a more welcoming environment for recreation and large‑scale events.
New art installations by Katayoun Dowlatshahi and Heinrich & Palmer have also been integrated into the gardens.
There was protest initially over the felling of over 100 trees, including the towering poplars which created a central formal avenue.
Fast-growing dawn redwood were planted in their place, along with hundreds of other trees.
Gillian Osgerby, Programme Director for Hull Maritime at Hull Council, said: “This transformation is about more than new planting and improved access. Parts of the gardens had become unusable and the historic dock walls had become structurally unsafe.
"We’ve not only restored the gardens but strengthened the foundations for their future.”
Initial reaction on social media was positive, with comments that despite the cost, it was good to see quality development instead of “make do and mend efforts of the past”.
Another said: “With the (A63) underpass, Humber Dock and Princes Dock Street also open, it’s good for the city. Let’s get the Maritime Museum and Arctic Corsair open now, then the city centre has lots to offer.”
Ros Southern, Director of Southern Green, Landscape Architects, said they hoped the new design “showcases the best elements of its long heritage, along with new elements to add modern features and a fresh inviting appearance.”
Some newly planted areas along the northern boundary will remain fenced off until the end of May, when they will reopen along with the 1935 Rose Bowl water fountain.