Hull’s rapidly developing urban village, The Fruit Market, has marked the latest milestone with the opening of a new £5 million multi-storey car park.
The 350-space facility is another key part of the transformation of the waterfront area and provides a major new asset for the city centre.
It will support the growing number of businesses in the Fruit Market and the wider economy, and is seen as helping encourage more visitors.
It comes just days after the new footbridge over the city centre-splitting A63 was opened and as Arco’s new £16 million headquarters completes on the same Blackfriargate site, with 200 spaces reserved for the safety giant’s staff in the week. They move in early summer.
Close by, tech hub C4DI has been expanded, while across the marina Rix Group is also relocating its head office.
The £80 million regeneration is being driven forward by the Wykeland Beal joint venture, working in partnership with Hull City Council, with the milestone welcomed by portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, Cllr Daren Hale.
Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “The new multi-storey car park makes it easier and more convenient to visit the Fruit Market and is a major asset for the wider city centre. It offers a modern, safe and well-lit environment for use by workers, shoppers and visitors to the area
“Despite the impact of Covid, the regeneration of the Fruit Market is continuing at a tremendous pace, with huge investment being delivered. The Fruit Market is providing a template for successful urban renewal and leading the way as we look towards the city’s post-Covid economic recovery.”
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Open 24/7, with weekday parking from just £2 for up to three hours and weekend parking at just £2.50 per day.
The car park features extra wide parking spaces, eight electric vehicle charging points and paperless payment methods, supported by automatic number plate recognition.
It also features a green “living wall”, reflecting the commitment to sustainability in the Fruit Market as seen in the restoration and conversion of crumbling former warehouses and the creation of energy-efficient homes supporting eco-friendly city living.
Beal chief executive Richard Beal said: “The multi-storey car park is another important piece in the Fruit Market jigsaw of development and investment. All the elements have worked together to create a sustainable urban village in the heart of Hull.”
Hessle-based PDR Construction is the principal contractor for the multi-storey car park and Arco head office.
Director Adam Thompson said: “We’re are delighted to hand over this landmark building, which is a great addition to the Fruit Market, and want to thank our staff and supply chain who have worked tirelessly through such unprecedented times.”