‘We’re on the cusp of an extraordinary year - moving forward with purpose and confidence’
EXCITING: Hull has a big year ahead. Picture by Tom Arran
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Hull’s civic, business and tourism leaders are united in their belief that 2026 will be a landmark year in the city’s modern story.
With the £30m Hull Maritime project due to be completed, the £355m A63 Castle Street improvement scheme set to finish and international recognition from National Geographic naming Hull among the top 25 places in the world to visit in 2026, momentum is building across the city.
After years of construction work, disruption and anticipation, the message from leaders is clear – Hull’s patience is about to be rewarded.
Spring 2026 is expected to see the opening of the restored Spurn Lightship, the transformation of Queen’s Gardens and the completion of major improvement works to Humber Dock Street and Princes Dock Street, reshaping the heart of Hull’s historic waterfront.
By the summer, the Maritime Museum will reopen following extensive refurbishment, offering visitors a renewed and immersive experience of Hull’s seafaring past.
THE MARITIME PROJECT BECOMING A REALITY: Spurn Lightship
At the same time, the Arctic Corsair will move to her permanent home in a new dry dock at North End Shipyard, creating a striking new maritime attraction along the River Hull.
Alongside this, the long-running upgrade of the A63 Castle Street, Hull’s largest-ever infrastructure project, is also due for completion in spring 2026.
The scheme – which has been delayed for a year – will see the creation of a new split-level junction at Mytongate, with the A63 lowered into an underpass and improved pedestrian and cycling routes reconnecting the city centre to the waterfront.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, believes 2026 represents a rare opportunity for Hull to reintroduce itself to the world.
DUE FOR COMPLETION AT LAST: The A63 Castle Street works
“Here in Hull, we have the potential for an exciting 2026 ahead. There is much to look forward to across the next 12 months,” he said.
“From the restoration of the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship, the reopening of the Maritime Museum and the transformation of Queen’s Gardens, the Hull Maritime project is becoming a reality.
“This investment from Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will not only safeguard and celebrate Hull’s proud maritime heritage but also creates a world-class attraction that will deliver significant benefits by attracting visitors, boosting business and transforming some of our most loved public buildings and spaces.
“Most importantly, the project will share the remarkable story of Hull and its people in new and exciting ways, strengthening civic pride and inspiring future generations.”
Coun Ross also pointed to Hull’s growing international profile, following its inclusion in National Geographic’s prestigious list.
TAKING SHAPE: Queen’s Gardens under redevelopment
“As a key legacy project from our year as UK City of Culture 2017, and as highlighted by National Geographic naming Hull as one of the top 25 places in the world to visit in 2026, it is an opportunity, once again, to put our city on the global map as a great place to live, work, study and visit.
“We want to see a Hull that has plenty to offer for local residents and visitors alike. I know that 2026 will see us taking big steps forward as a city in delivering that.”
That sense of momentum is echoed by business leaders, who see 2026 as the year when confidence turns into action.
Diana Taylor, managing director of Future Humber, said the simultaneous completion of several major schemes sends a powerful signal.
“Hull is on the cusp of an extraordinary year, one shaped by the opening of landmark projects such as the Maritime Museum, Castle Street improvements and the Humber Dock Street works. These aren’t just developments – they are signals of a city moving with purpose and confidence.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Councillor Mike Ross
“Together, they strengthen Hull’s identity as a place defined by ingenuity, determination and a bold willingness to keep evolving. Their impact will be felt far beyond the physical spaces, drawing more people into the city, opening doors for businesses and building the kind of momentum that attracts new ideas, talent and investment.”
She added that the human impact of the changes should not be underestimated.
“Most importantly, they offer a moment for our communities to feel proud of where we live, work and create. A moment to celebrate Hull’s resilience, its imagination and its determination to shape a vibrant future.
“As 2026 unfolds, Hull has the opportunity to step forward with energy, clarity and a united voice – showing the wider world the impact this remarkable place is already making, and the ambition that continues to drive it.”
Hull’s MPs have also voiced strong support for the developments, acknowledging both the disruption of recent years and the scale of what is now approaching.
OPTIMISM: Diana Taylor
Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy said the alignment of projects is especially significant.
“As National Geographic highlighted, Hull is a top destination, and having all these exciting developments open at the same time is a huge positive for our city and its residents,” she said.
“After waiting a long time, this is a moment to celebrate Hull’s growth and the opportunities it brings for everyone.”
Hull East MP Karl Turner recognised the patience shown by residents, businesses and motorists.
He said: “There’s no doubt it’s been a long wait for many people, and I completely understand the frustration residents and businesses have felt with the disruption.
LOOKING FORWARD: Emma Hardy
“These projects have tested everyone’s patience, and people have rightly been worried about the ongoing works. But once the Maritime Project, Queens Gardens and the A63 improvements are completed, the benefits will far outweigh the sacrifices that local people have made along the way.”
He added: “Rebuilding and modernising major infrastructure takes time, and it isn’t always easy to live alongside. But it’s encouraging to see significant investment being pumped into Hull, and the A63 project in particular will make a real difference to people in east Hull – improving journeys, reducing congestion and helping reconnect communities.”
For Hull’s city centre businesses, 2026 is being viewed as a reset moment.
Kathryn Shillito, executive director of HullBID, said the end of major roadworks and the arrival of new attractions will help change perceptions.
“We are heading into a year of great opportunity for city centre businesses with completion of the Castle Street project sending out a message that we are very much open for business, and the launch of the Hull Maritime Project giving us another fantastic addition to our tourism appeal.
ENCOURAGED: Karl Turner
“We should also be encouraged by the clear confidence of developers who are regenerating old buildings to create modern apartments.
“This investment in city centre living is great news for businesses – with more people living on their doorstep, there’s the opportunity to build their customer base and their talent pool.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, she said Hull continues to show resilience.
“In common with other cities and towns we do have empty units but we have seen major investment in exciting new offices and retail sites. and we are still seeing a steady flow of new businesses opening throughout the city centre,” she said.
“That’s another sign of rising confidence, and an important factor behind that is the work which has been carried out to improve safety and security.
CONFIDENT: Kathryn Shillito
“HullBID works very closely with Humberside Police and Hull City Council, and our efforts are delivering positive results in tackling antisocial behaviour and crime.
“It all adds up to an optimistic outlook for 2026 and beyond.”
For the region’s visitor economy, the combination of infrastructure, culture and global recognition is seen as transformational.
Chris Blacksell, chair of tourism partnership Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), said 2026 represents a defining moment for the city’s visitor economy.
“Hull has been steadily building toward this point for several years, and 2026 feels like the moment when it comes together,” he said.
BUILDING STEADILY: Chris Blacksell
“The completion of the Hull Maritime project, the reopening of world-class cultural attractions and the removal of long-standing barriers between the city centre and the waterfront will fundamentally change how visitors experience Hull.
“Being named by National Geographic as one of the top 25 destinations in the world for 2026 is not just a headline – it’s a powerful endorsement that puts Hull in front of a global audience.
“This isn’t just about attracting visitors for a weekend break. It’s about boosting pride, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and encouraging people to invest their time, talent and money in the city.
“2026 gives Hull the chance to tell its story with confidence – a story rooted in maritime heritage, creativity and resilience, but also one that is very much about the future.”