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Hull commissions feasibility study for a dedicated, city-centre cruise berth

Hull commissions feasibility study for a dedicated, city-centre cruise berth
Hull, on England’s east coast, is carrying out a feasibility study for a dedicated, city-centre cruise facility as part of its vision to become a world-class visitor destination.

The facility forms part of an ambitious city plan, and Hull City Council has commissioned a detailed market appraisal as well as progressing provisional feasibility works in relation to a developing a new section of city-centre waterfront.

The feasibility study, due early in 2015, will provide Hull City Council with the information it needs to advance the project.

Hull’s plans have been significantly boosted by beating tough competition to become UK City of Culture 2017, a status granted once every four years. During its tenure as UK City of Culture, Hull hopes to attract 7m new visitors to experience 1,500 events, 25 festivals, 12 artists’ residences and more than 20 iconic commissions, leaving a legacy of enhanced visitation levels for the future.

The city has a rich maritime heritage having been a member of the Hanseatic League of ports dating back to the 1300s, and has strong trade links with other countries in northern Europe, notably Germany and the Baltic countries. Today, the Port of Hull has a growing cruise trade and currently can take ships of up to 200 metres. As a member of Cruise Europe, the port will have representatives at Seatrade Med in Barcelona.

'It is inevitable that Hull should be appraising the situation,' according to David Selby of Travelyields Ltd, who leads the feasibility study team. 'Hull is well situated for potential calls on northern European itineraries, has unique shore excursion opportunities and some of the best underutilised road, air and rail links in the country.'

'This is a very exciting and ambitious proposal for Hull and is another example of the commitment of the Council to drive the city forward towards its aim of becoming a world-class visitor destination by providing the facilities this ambition requires,' said Steven Bayes, Hull City Council’s portfolio polder for visitor destination.

Giles Davidson, project director, added: 'These are exciting times for Hull, which really is coming out if the shadows. As Yorkshire’s port city, our ambitious plans to become a prominent destination for visitors capitalise on our rich maritime heritage.

'I am confident that the next few years will see transformational change and a resurgent visitor economy in the city.'