A derelict riverside area that once powered Hull’s maritime industry is set to be transformed into a sustainable new neighbourhood with 850 homes, after plans were submitted for the first phase of the East Bank Urban Village.
Hull City Council, working with development partner ECF – a joint venture with Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – has lodged detailed designs for phase one of what will be one of the city’s biggest ever regeneration projects.
The site, opposite Hull’s Old Town, has seen significant decline since the mid-20th century. Today, it is largely surface parking and vacant brownfield land. Over the next 15 years, that will change dramatically.
Phase one will deliver 37 townhouses and 78 apartments across two buildings – all of them affordable. The plans also include the landing for the Scale Lane bridge on the eastern riverbank and the restoration of the historic Trinity Buoy Shed, a much-loved local heritage building.
Later phases will add more than 700 Build-to-Rent and affordable apartments, alongside shops, restaurants, green spaces and a new riverside promenade designed for walking and cycling.
The project has been shaped by community conversations held in autumn 2025, where residents called for green spaces, parking management, biodiversity improvements and new uses for landmarks such as the former Lock Keeper’s Cottage.
Raife Gale, senior development manager, said: ‘Local people have been supportive – and so insightful – in offering their feedback, and this has all fed into the final planning application we’ve submitted. Our plan is to deliver a sustainable new neighbourhood where people want to live, work and spend time – and key to this is creating quality homes, attractive public spaces and new leisure and business opportunities. East Bank will kick-start a new chapter for this part of the city’s riverside, ensuring it continues to play a role for future generations.’
The scheme is backed by £9.8 million from the government’s Levelling Up Partnership and will help Hull meet its target of 2,500 new city-centre homes. It also follows the principles of Hull’s ‘Living With Water’ project, using sustainable drainage systems and state-of-the-art materials.
Chris Jackson, director of regeneration and partnerships at Hull City Council, said: ‘It is pleasing that the council has been able to submit plans for phase one of East Bank Urban Village.
‘This is a significant regeneration project which will help to meet the council’s housing targets, revitalise a long-term brownfield site and also support both Hull’s Old Town and city centre economies.
‘We have already welcomed extensive public feedback on draft proposals for East Bank ahead of this planning submission and look forward to hearing their thoughts on the updated plans.’
Image: CJCT Studios and Virtual Resolution.
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