Dockside work marks final preparations for Spurn Lightship opening
GETTING READY: Spurn Lightship at her new home in Hull Marina
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The final stage of work on the historic Spurn Lightship and its dockside surroundings is now underway, marking an important milestone in the ongoing Hull Maritime project.
Local engineering and construction firm CR Reynolds has begun landscaping the area around the lightship on Hull Marina, delivering enhancements to transform the space into an inviting gateway for visitors, as well as improving accessibility to the marina and city centre for nearby residents.
Key features of this phase include connecting the gangway for safe public access to the ship, installing barrier fencing around the marina edge, and planting vibrant seasonal flowers and greenery.
Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “The landscaping marks the final piece of the jigsaw in preparing the Spurn Lightship to open its doors. With the shore-side interpretation and landscaping now starting, the final touches will transform the marina area into an inviting gateway to the Spurn Lightship.
“From the ship’s gangway providing safe public access, to the new fencing and vibrant seasonal planting, each enhancement ensures the marina becomes a welcoming space for all to enjoy.”
Because of the lightship’s location, construction materials and machinery must be lifted on-site via crane as the nearby pedestrian footbridge cannot support heavy machinery. This logistical challenge has extended the project timeline, with a five-month work programme now in place.
The lightship will open to the public in spring 2026.
Councillor Dad said: “The location of the work needed has provided us with challenges we have had to navigate. Now we have a solution, work has started, and I am looking forward to stepping on board and welcoming visitors back to this special lightship and share its story.”
The restoration, led by Dunston Ship Repair, has carefully maintained the ship’s original character while modernising its facilities.
The lightship’s return is a key element of the Hull Maritime project, a major heritage initiative led by Hull City Council and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project includes the transformation of the Hull Maritime Museum and Queen’s Gardens, the restoration of historic trawler Arctic Corsair, and the development of her new home at North End Shipyard.