Plans for £30m concert venue bring tourism and jobs boost

Hull Council revealed plans yesterday for an events centre and four-star hotel on a preferred city centre site to the west of Princes Quay.

A council spokesman said: “The purpose-built venue will, for the first time, allow Hull to attract large corporate and association conferences, exhibitions and trade tours as well as major touring concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows and sporting events, complementing what is currently offered at existing venues.”

At least 500 long-term jobs will be created, said the council. It will have a capacity of at least 3,500 and will be funded by the council which wants to capitalise on its status as UK City of Culture from 2017.

Gary Verity, of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is more great news for the city of Hull, and indeed the county, and a real statement of intent that Hull means business. The city’s reputation for a visitor and business destination continues to grow apace and come 2017, all eyes will be firmly focused on our UK City of Culture and this is a major step towards that.”

Councillor Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for City of Culture, said: “Put simply, a city of Hull’s size needs a facility such as this.”

Construction work could start next year for completion in 2018.