DLG secured the opportunity to masterplan a new piece of city and a new sustainable community in one of England’s more important and idiosyncratic historic city quarters – The Fruit Market. The masterplan includes a new MSCP for 300 cars, 290 new homes, shops, restaurants and workspaces for the emerging creative industry sector.

The redevelopment of this now ‘down at heel’ part of the historic city centre of Hull is what can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity. The streets which are built over a medieval street pattern have been used by chandlers through to the current fruiterers whose relocation will release this area for transformation.

DLG’s proposals include two distinct draws – firstly a new Gateway building on the corner of the site on the line of the medieval wall with the leisure at ground floor and residential above over looking the marina and secondly a new covered public square offering protection from the weather for visitors and a venue for performing arts events whilst being edged by new leisure and creative media office space to the ground floor and residential accommodation above.
Elsewhere the eroded medieval street pattern is reinstated with new contemporary residential buildings where car parking is hidden in undercroft areas allowing residents to enjoy the private enclosed gardens above and views back to the Holy Trinity church. Humber street, the current principal trading street will become a busy pedestrianised route between the marina and the Deep lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants at ground floor and creative offices and apartments above.

The masterplan sets ambitious targets for the environmental performance of both the new and refurbished buildings through the Code for Sustainable Homes for the residential and the BREEAM for the office and retail components.

As part of the masterplan development a public consultation event was held in the City Hall over a weekend where DLG explained the proposals and listened to the feedback.