Placemaking Programme Report - Whitefriargate, Hull

Millington, Steven ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5143-3074 and Bell, Penny (2022) Placemaking Programme Report - Whitefriargate, Hull. Project Report. High Streets Task Force.

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Abstract

Hull and the High Streets Task Force (HSTF) began working together following an expert visit in October 2021. Based on discussions with the Council, the subsequent Unlocking Your Place Potential Report (UYPP) outlined how the Task Force could provide further support for Whitefriargate, Hull. There are solid development plans and funding applications in process to further regenerate Hull and build on the Capital of Culture success in 2017. £19.5 million in the Levelling Up Funds will bid support further infrastructure improvements, with £7.5 million of this fund to create a new grant scheme to bring unused floorspace of vacant or partially occupied property back into use. This is targeted on the historic Whitefriargate where there several vacant or under utilised ground floor units, where activation might address negative perceptions of the area. Following the UYPP Report, in March 2022 Taskforce Expert Support recommended continuing the collaborative work in the short term to animate vacant spaces, involving young people through the introduction of a Teenage Market, events, festivals, pop-up retail, community activities, and basic improvements to the appearance of Whitefriargate. Such interventions might diversiy the local offer through trialling new products or services and promote activity beyond 5pm. Other recommendations included improving wayfinding, further greening pedestrian and cycle linkages from other parts of the city centre to encourage visitors to key attractions and events to explore Whitefriargate, and strengthening engagement with property owners and commercial agents to resolve issues relating to vacant units.