Nature, leisure and homes included in Lagoon plans
A NEW vision for the Humber region has been revealed to give the public a glimpse into how Hull’s biggest revitalisation proposal in a generation will turn the area into a must-visit destination and one where people love to live.
The latest phase of the project has been developed by the Lagoon Hull team to provide a greater understanding of how the vision will become a reality and provide a sneak peek into what people can expect from the proposed eight-mile causeway.
Lagoon Hull promises to provide a significant economic boost to the region, estimated to be up to £1bn GVA (gross value added) per year, by creating 19,000 new jobs.
Practical benefits include an A63 relief road in the Humber and 100 per cent flood protection between the Humber Bridge and the Port of Hull, while unlocking the waterfront to build new communities and develop leisure opportunities.
As support continues to build, the project team has announced how Lagoon Hull will be split into four key zones to show exactly how it will deliver for the whole city.
The idea of dividing the project into zones was devised to give the public a stronger sense of what they can expect from the completed development, with wide-ranging benefits for residents, visitors, industry and nature. The zones are:
THE CITY ZONE
The city will be extended to the water’s edge and beyond.
Boating and watersports will transform Lagoon Hull into a destination recreational area for residents and tourists, with concepts such as floating art and research centres, alongside new bars and cafés. Water buses will provide transport up the River Hull towards Beverley and a “beacon” watchtower will be built that overlooks the Humber from the new causeway.
The plans also factor in the potential cruise terminal for Victoria Dock.
THE LIVING ZONE
Derelict land either side of St Andrew’s Quay will be transformed into vibrant, sought-after residential areas.
As well as protecting current “at risk” homes from flooding, it also aims to develop revolutionary and waterfront housing.
The aim is to create a new marina development, giving the opportunity to live in a tranquil and sustainable waterfront community.
THE NATURE ZONE
Opportunities for Lagoon Hull’s nature zone are endless.
Beginning at Hessle Foreshore, and including features such as floating islands and boardwalks across the mudflats and wetlands, the project will also provide new habitats for the Humber’s wildlife.
Designated “wild” areas will allow plants and wildlife to thrive and interactive wildlife trails will provide education opportunities.
THE PORT ZONE
The city will benefit from increased port capacity, with extended transport links available for both goods and logistics.
Space for two significant new dock spaces will allow the Humber’s green industries to further flourish while vital green space areas and habitats will be built into the dock edge to ensure a symbiotic environment for business and nature to thrive alongside each other.
Commenting on the announcement, Paul Hatley, Lagoon Hull project director, said: “Lagoon Hull is a project for everyone and I am excited to be able to reveal more of our vision with the people who matter most – the people of the Humber.
“The four zones will make sure all of our key aims are achieved while also giving plenty of space to give something back to our communities.
“While this announcement gives everyone a clearer vision of how Lagoon Hull will look, this is by no means final.
“I am still keen to hear ideas for what residents would like to incorporate into the Lagoon Hull vision to make sure we make the very most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I can’t wait to share more updates as the project progresses.”
The concept was developed by the Lagoon Hull project team in collaboration with 2B Landscape Consultancy.
Bill Blackledge, managing director of 2B Landscape Consultancy, said: “I have enjoyed working on the zoning plans for the Lagoon Hull project from a landscape perspective, while considering the biodiversity, amenity, recreation, business and transport elements that must be factored in to make it a success.
“It’s an extremely exciting project that I believe must be explored further, as it has many merits that could have significant, wide-ranging benefits for the region on a number of fronts, but it also faces some notable challenges. I am looking forward to thorough discussions about both concept and detail.”