Demolition plan for dock buildings opposed

The three derelict buildings just north of the disused lockpit entrance at St Andrews Dock have been subjected to continued vandalism.

The buildings are close to the Bullnose, where the annual open-air Lost Trawlermen's Day is held. Concerns about the state of the site almost led to the relocation of this year's service.

The application has been submitted to Hull Council by the receivers for the landowners Paloma Group, which went into voluntary liquidation last April.

But Adam Fowler, the former chairman of the fishing heritage group Stand, said any demolition would be a "tragedy" and the "final nail in the coffin of Hull's fishing heritage".

He said: "These are the oldest remaining buildings on what was the original St Andrew's Dock, which dates back to 1888.

"They were various small-scale trawler-owner offices, and River Chambers was, I believe, a lockkeeper's office. Not only are they very characterful, but the fear is it could lead to the landowners applying to the Secretary of State for conservation area status being removed."

Humber Archaeological Partnership has also formally recommended refusal saying they are "key unlisted" buildings which "contribute significantly to the character of the conservation area".

It says although very large parts of the former dock have been redeveloped the surviving buildings are "immensely important". They suggest that the application be deferred to allow a full survey and proof of consultation with special interest groups.

Planners agree that one of the three buildings, River Chambers, makes a "positive contribution" to the conservation area, but say the owners' proposals would have a "neutral" effect overall as the work involves demolishing the external walls of one building, the partial demolition of the walls of an adjoining building and alterations to River Chambers to stabilise the property. They are recommending approval at a meeting at the city's Guildhall tomorrow .

St Andrews Dock was for over a century the centre of Hull's fishing and fish processing industry.

There were question marks over this year's service taking place on the traditional spot after a spate of vandalism and theft.

However, organisers were determined to stick the St Andrew's Dock venue because of its special place in Hull's maritime heritage: The Bullnose was the last part of land the sailors saw before they set out to sea.