Remember last year when we broke the news that Pierhead was to be demolished? Now it’s been confirmed, our disappearing heritage correspondent Angus Young finds out what next.
A few months ago we brought you the news that a contract had been awarded to a civil engineering firm to draw up plans for the removal of Hull’s historic Victoria Pier. Originally constructed in 1810, the pier has changed a bit since then. During the Edwardian era it was in its pomp, fearing covered walkways and an upper deck viewing area.
Readers of a certain age can probably still get misty eyed at memories of catching the ferry from the pier (me!-Ed.) or having a cuppa in the council cafe which once operated from the main deck. However, the structure has been closed to the public since June 2022 after safety concerns were raised about its condition. Now the city council has confirmed its intention to dismantle the pier and come up with a new design for a replacement.
The council says surveys have revealed “localised rotting” is nearly all sections of the supporting timber columns and decking. Apparently, the deterioration is so bad that removal is the only safe option. Some locals who keep an eye on these things suggest the pier never really recovered from the battering it took during the tidal surge event on the Humber in 2013. Others suggest rumoured damage caused during subsequent flood defence works in the area hastened its demise. Either way, the end appears to be nigh for one of Hull’s most famous landmarks.
So what happens next ? According to the council, its contractors Mason Clark Associates have developed three potential outline design options for a new pier.
Each one features a different suggested layout and the designs are going to be made public very soon as part of a public engagement process. As such, people will be vote for the design they prefer the most. Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet member for all things bridges, said: “ Victoria Pier is an important part of Hull’s maritime history. We know how much it means to our residents and this poll is a vital step towards the pier becoming once again a welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy and reflect on our city’s heritage. When the poll opens, it will give everyone a chance to vote on how the pier will look by choosing the layout they think is most suitable, ultimately leading to a pier for future generations to enjoy.”
Hopefully, the proposed designs will give people plenty to chew over before picking the one they like best. However, I think we should end on a slightly cautionary note.
This is the city council we are talking about here and we are still waiting for the promised re-location of the Banksy mural from the old Scott Street bridge. It’s only been a mere eight years since then……