City's Henry VIII castle attraction back on track

A visitor attraction on the site of a former castle will go ahead after a council agreed to plug a funding gap.

Under plans, three large mesh structures would be constructed on the site in Hull, near The Deep aquarium, to give a ghostly translucent impression of the former structure.

The South Blockhouse project, which would celebrate the history of the castle built on the orders of King Henry VIII in the mid-16th Century, needed financial backing after National Highways said last year it could no longer provide a £1m grant.

Hull City Council leader Mike Ross said the authority would invest £1.16m into the scheme, ensuring "the untold story of this ancient monument is shared".

The South Blockhouse protected Hull's harbour and featured a stone tower and cannon platforms.

The remains, including walls, earthworks and a cannon, were uncovered by archaeologists during a series of excavations going back as far as 1997.

Planning permission was granted by the council in March 2025.

Ross told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the investment would preserve an "important link to Hull's past for generations to come".

He added: "Following the disappointing decision of National Highways to withdraw their financial support for the South Blockhouse project, it was vital to find alternative ways to preserve its future.

"This decision demonstrates our commitment to protecting Hull's heritage and making sure the untold story of this ancient monument is shared.

"The South Blockhouse is a unique part of our city's history that shaped our city."

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