Closed Hull footpath sparks fresh debate over Humber cruise terminal plans

The area close to the Albert Dock path has long been earmarked as a development priority for policymakers, with Hull City Council’s masterplan outlining the Western Docklands as a potential site for cruise terminal.

But some residents feel little progress is being made. Meanwhile, there are concerns that the closure of the Albert Dock footpath, which runs between Wellington Street and a point adjacent to Dunston Ship Repairs Ltd, is symbolic of ongoing delay and decay.

The path is significant, as it forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail and the King Charles III England Coast Path. It also connects to the wider Western Docklands regeneration corridor that leads to the historic Lord Line building – which has fallen into significant disrepair.

It is part of some of Hull’s most important fishing heritage, but it could have an exciting future too. For years, city leaders have harboured ambitious plans to construct a dedicated cruise facility along the Humber, with a vision of ships bringing thousands of tourists with money to spend directly into the heart of Hull.

Supporters argue that converting underutilised waterfront land into a modern cruise terminal would deliver an unprecedented economic boost to the thriving tourism sector across East Yorkshire.

Liverpool welcomed a new cruise terminal almost 20 years ago and has established itself as a major maritime hub for leisure travellers with ships departing to the Norwegian Fjords and the Canary Islands among other destinations. There were 118 journeys scheduled from Liverpool in 2026, up from 103 just three years ago – and cruise holidays continue to grow in popularity around the UK.

However, the development idea for Hull continues to face significant hurdles, with critics questioning the massive infrastructure costs, potential environmental impact on the Humber estuary, and complex land ownership challenges along the river.

Local MP backs cruise terminal idea as part of wider regeneration

Hull’s whole Western Dockland area and riverside has huge untapped economic potential for growth, according to Emma Hardy, the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, who is throwing her weight behind the cruise terminal idea.

She said: “While important landmarks such as the Lord Line building continue to deteriorate, the site represents a major opportunity for regeneration, tourism, investment and job creation.

“I fully support the long-standing ambition for a cruise terminal in the city. It could help attract more visitors, support local businesses and strengthen Hull’s existing reputation as a leading destination and proud maritime city.”

South Yorkshire’s regional authority, led by Mayor Oliver Coppard, recently announced plans to purchase Doncaster Sheffield Airport – demonstrating the powers that combined authorities can have to kickstart economic growth in northern cities.

Ms Hardy added: “Other mayoral areas are being ambitious about their transport, tourism and regeneration. Hull and East Yorkshire cannot afford to miss opportunities or be left behind.

“I have previously urged the Mayor to develop a clear, long-term vision for the West Docklands, and I do so again. He has the powers to drive regeneration and unlock investment, and should seize this opportunity in the strongest possible terms.

“We must be ambitious for our area and ensure Hull and East Yorkshire realises its full potential for growth, jobs and prosperity.”

A spokesperson for the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) explained Hull’s Western Docklands, and particularly St Andrew’s Dock and the Lord Line building, were among the first regeneration priorities Mayor Luke Campbell raised when he came into office.

He said a clear vision was published in the Local Growth Plan but said value for money for taxpayers was crucial as there has been significant planning work on Western Docklands over the years.

Mr Campbell confirmed a cruise terminal vision is still at an early stage while discussions are ongoing between business and the public sector.

‘Huge potential’: Mayor promises to deliver

There’s currently no agreed HEYCA scheme or funding commitment, explained Mr Campbell.

He said: “St Andrew’s Dock and the Western Docklands were among the first things I wanted us to look at when I became Mayor. Hull has such a proud fishing and maritime history, and it really does frustrate me and residents seeing such an important part of our city left in that state for decades.

“I want to see this whole area brought back to life. That’s why I’ve made it a priority, why we’ve included Western Docklands in our Local Growth Plan and why I’ve been keen to work with partners to look at how we can get things moving.”

He added: “There’s huge potential here, whether that’s tourism, new businesses, jobs or making more of our waterfront. But we have to get it right. Some of these sites are complicated and I don’t want to make promises we can’t deliver.

“I’m not interested in who gets the credit. I’m interested in what’s best for Hull. We’ve got an opportunity to do something really positive with this part of our city, respect its history and give it a future people can be proud of. That’s what I want us all working towards.”

The area could be a ‘game changer’ say local councillors

Hull’s Labour group of councillors are calling for the mayor to act more quickly and decisively and lead on a radical programme of regeneration for the city’s dockland area.

Although they agree that the ownership of land and buildings in the area is complex, they say regeneration needs strong mayoral leadership as well as investment and are calling on Mayor Campbell to use his convening power to set out an action plan for the area.

Coun Daren Hale, who also represents St Andrews & Docklands ward and is leader of the Labour group on the council, said: “A cruise terminal facility in Hull would be a game changer, meaning our city would be a destination not just for bulk shipping, but for tourists and other visitors too.

"It would revive our maritime legacy, and put us at the heart of an international network.

“We are meeting with the Mayor in the coming weeks to discuss this call, which we have been making for some time. We hope that he will see this for the great opportunity it is, and back Hull’s tourism potential.”

A ‘collective effort’ is now needed to move the idea forwards

The urgent need to focus political energy on a historic part of Hull that is suffering from long-term neglect is receiving cross-party support.

Coun Mike Ross, the Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council, said: “We have carried out consultation with the community around ideas for the future. Now it needs a collective effort to make the improvements needed and that the communities deserve.”

However, he warns that the development idea does need external support beyond what Hull City Council can deliver.

“To achieve a cruise terminal in Hull would require the resources far beyond what is available to the council and could only happen with significant external support. So far, that funding has not been secured, though there is clearly interest from some to make it happen,” Coun Ross added.

Associated British Ports (ABP), owns much of the land in the area, including the land where the path is closed. It was first closed as a precaution on August 28 following engineering advice. The council have granted the extended closure to enable ABP to carry out further investigations and have said that safety must come first for local residents.

As work continues on the site, pressure remains on political leaders to kickstart development on the Humber waterfront, balancing public access with commercial sensitives. As the back & forth over the site continues, the debate has made one thing clear: the appetite for a bold and transformative vision for Hull’s iconic waterfront is only getting stronger.