By
Rebecca Gibson |
Hull, located on the UK’s east coast, is to complete a study to determine the feasibility of building a dedicated cruise facility in its city centre.
Due to be published in early 2015, the study will include a detailed market appraisal and will provide Hull City Council with the information it needs to determine the feasibility of developing the city centre’s waterfront.
“It is inevitable that Hull should be appraising the situation,” said David Selby who is the managing director and owner of Travelyields and is also leading the feasibility study team. “Hull is well situated for potential calls on northern European itineraries, has unique shore excursion opportunities, as well as some of the best under-used road, air and rail links in the country.”
Hull, which boasts strong trade links with northern Europe and the Baltics and is a member of the Hanseatic League of ports, can currently accommodate cruise ships of up to 200 metres in length. A dedicated cruise facility is expected to help turn the city into a world-class visitor destination.
“These are exciting times for Hull, which really is coming out of the shadows,” said Giles Davidson, the project director. “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.”
Hull has also been named as the UK City of Culture 2017 and during its four-year tenure, hopes to attract seven million new visitors to experience 1,500 events, 25 festivals, 12 artists’ residences and more than 20 iconic commissions.