Hull City Council’s Cabinet will consider giving the green light to a £1.4m project to repair and renovate Hepworth’s Arcade.
The scheme will see essential repairs to the historic and much-loved shopping parade, addressing damp and a backlog of maintenance, such as renovating the promenade flooring and repairing internal stonework. It will also be fully redecorated.
The project will also improve the quality of the retail units to attract new businesses in a bid to fill empty units.
In turn, this will bring further local jobs and increase the diversity of high-quality retail available and boost footfall in the area.
Most of the overall cost of the project iwill come from the council’s Capital Programme, with additional grants being sought from external funders in support of this Grade II listed Victorian building.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “Hepworth’s Arcade is a Grade II listed building and a much loved and admired retail destination in Hull’s Old Town. Owning the facility, the council has a responsibility to keep it well-maintained and in good condition for future generations.
“Hepworth’s Arcade is home to a mix of bespoke, independent retailers and this investment will complement the amazing work done next door to make Trinity Market so popular and enjoyable.
“This funding from the council’s Capital Programme, alongside potential match funding from Historic England, will help reinvigorate Hepworth’s Arcade and ensure it remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors to our city centre.
“As part of the work plan, the council will involve existing tenants in a bid to limit the disruption to their businesses and ensure the success of the project.”
