Marina improvements get the thumbs-up from locals

Improvement works at Hull Marina have been hailed as "wonderful" by local residents.

The revamp of the promenade on Humber Dock Street began in February last year and the blue hoardings that blocked the view of the marina were taken down earlier this month.

City resident Barry Cooper said: "If you get the sunshine, you get the nice weather - you could be in Miami."

The works are part of a major investment in the city's waterfront, designed to improve public spaces and attract more visitors.

"You could be anywhere," Barry mused as he checked out the new planting and seating areas.

A former tour guide on the HMS Endeavor replica and Arctic Corsair, Barry said: "The pubs are good, the food's good.

"It's wonderful for Hull."

Markus Gardner, who works at The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar on Humber Dock Street said business had been slow last year, but this week there had been a noticeable improvement.

"It was packed," he said, "because people haven't seen this before and the bank holidays in the summer are now on.

"That's when people come in, sit outside, have a few laughs... a few pints."

Peter and Pat Helas who are regular visitors to the marina said they had missed the views of the water and were delighted to find the blue hoardings had been removed.

The upgrade had Pat's seal of approval.

"This is beautiful," she said. "It really does look nice".

The couple have been married for 60 years used to visit the marina as children.

Peter said he had sailed to Holland from the dock in 1952.

"It brings back many memories", he said and agreed the work was a real improvement.

"We're heading in the right direction, you know? I mean, there's obviously still lots to do."

Judith Blair is a city volunteer and said she was incredibly proud of all the improvements that were coming together.

A new underpass on the A63 and the Spurn Lightship opened earlier this month.

"They're saying that Hull is becoming a place to go for the weekend, not just dip your toes in, but there's so much to do that people can stay longer," she said.

"It's so exciting."

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