‘A proud first step’: Spurn Lightship to launch Hull Maritime project
BIG MOMENT: Spurn Lightship will open to visitors in March
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Historic safety vessel Spurn Lightship will have the honour of launching the eagerly-anticipated Hull Maritime project next month when it becomes the first of the multifaceted visitor attractions to open to the public.
The 99-year-old lightship, which guided generations of seafarers through one of the world’s most treacherous waterways, will open to visitors on Saturday, March 7.
Berthed in its new home on Hull Marina, the lightship has been returned to its former glory after a 14-month restoration project costing £4m.
Funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull Maritime is one of the biggest and most ambitious heritage projects in the North of England. It is expected to generate £5.5m for the city’s economy each year as well as delivering new employment, skills and training opportunities.
Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding and Repairing Co Ltd at a cost of £17,000, Spurn Lightship was originally known as LV No 12.
She was the first lightship to be located at the Spurn station just outside the Humber and played a crucial role in Hull’s maritime industries, guiding seafarers safely through one of the world’s most dangerous waterways with its fierce tides and shifting sandbanks.
An indication of the perilous conditions she faced came on January 31, 1953, when she was driven off station and drifted 12 nautical miles south onto Protector Shoal, where the reserve anchors held.
After nearly 50 years’ service, the lightship was decommissioned in 1975 and laid up.
ICONIC: The lightship in Hull Marina
She was bought by the city council and restored, opening as a floating museum in 1987. The ship welcomed more than 630,000 visitors before closing to the public in 2018.
Now a new generation of visitors will get their first chance to see the newly restored vessel in Hull Marina on Saturday, March 7.
The lightship, which is free to visit, will be open from 11am to 3pm, and between the same times the following day. She will then be open at those times each Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets will be available in advance with details to on how to book to be announced shortly.
The work has included a restored deck, shotblasting to remove corrosion, priming and several coats of paint to protect the ship for future generations.
There has also been “significant” work to the cabin and below deck. Extensive replacement of damaged fittings, rotten wood, corroded steel and cracked glass have been undertaken sympathetically, returning the vessel to its original condition as much as possible while also improving visitor experience and accessibility.
BEACON: Spurn Lightship at sea
The area around the berth is also undergoing substantial improvements to enhance access, including landscaping.
The lightship is the first of the Hull Maritime attractions to be completed, and her opening represents a “significant moment” for the entire project, which is funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is a landmark year for Hull. We’ve listened carefully to what residents, communities and businesses have told us they want for their city, and we’re getting on with delivering it.
“From culture and heritage to regeneration and opportunity, we’re turning ambition into action and making real progress people can see.
“The reopening of the Spurn Lightship is a significant moment for Hull and a proud first step in delivering the wider Hull Maritime project.
READY: Inside the restored ship
“As the first attraction to open, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we celebrate our city’s maritime heritage.
“The Hull Maritime project will transform some of our most important historic assets, boosting tourism and the local economy, and telling Hull’s story in a bold and engaging way that will strengthen civic pride for generations to come.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Spurn Lightship is well loved by the people of Hull.
“It’s great to see Hull Maritime reach this milestone and continuing to ensure that Hull’s significant maritime heritage will be at the heart of its economic regeneration and ensure that it’s a city for all Hullensians to be extremely proud of.”
Other Hull Maritime attractions with estimated opening dates include:
New bespoke storage centre at Dock Office Chambers (completed)
New paving and seating areas in Humber Dock Street and Princes Dock Street (spring)
Queens Gardens refurbishment (spring)
Restored Arctic Corsair and new North End Shipyard visitor centre (to be announced)
Refurbished Maritime Museum (summer).