Opinions on the future of Hull
Interesting article on the Yorkshire Business Desk this week about Hull trying to escape the economic downturn.
They interviewed Hull Forward’s Chief Executive – John Holmes – about how he sees the City growing and developing over the coming years.
It almost makes Hull sound exciting:
“The £200m St Stephen’s shopping centre is complete and busy, apartments blocks line the banks of the marina and offices…Future developments include the development of Quay West, which will create a retail area employing 3,000 people; redevelopment of the Fruit Market into an area boasting bars, shops, boutique hotels and workspace; and the second phase of Humber Quays, Hull’s waterfront business and international trade district.”
According to John Holmes, there is a real sense of optimism and he is confident that a masterplan, which will see £1.5bn invested into Hull, will become reality. It’s a long term vision however, but Mr Holmes doesn’t believe panic buttons should be pressed given the slow down in the property and financial sectors.
The sentence that made me smile the most though;
“..the ever enthusiastic Mr Holmes denies that Hull’s geographical location has hindered its prospects either historically or today. ‘It’s on the route from St Petersburg to Liverpool.’ he says.”
Wasn’t it Peter the Great that called St Petersburg “the Window to the West”? I wonder if he realised that meant looking straight into the heart of Hull?
