The time has come for the Humber’s local authorities and national government to make good on their promise to deliver a brighter future for the region, according to the man behind Hull’s biggest regeneration project in a generation.
Tim Rix CBE, chair of Lagoon Hull, has today announced that the region’s private sector has progressed the proposed Lagoon Hull scheme as far as it can, without further ambition and official commitment from local councils, government agencies and central government.
The transformative scheme is the ultimate levelling-up project, allowing the region to adapt for a changing world and thrive long into the next century by unlocking untapped economic growth potential, creating opportunities for all and protecting the region from emerging challenges including rising sea levels.
Among the wide-ranging benefits of the project could be a significant economic boost of an estimated £1bn GVA per year being added into the regional economy. This would be done by creating more than 19,000 new jobs and unlocking new dock space at the Port of Hull, as well as unloved waterside land for redevelopment, including at St Andrew’s Quay, to develop new homes and leisure space.
Practical benefits include an A63 relief road in the Humber to alleviate congestion and improve air quality, along with 100 per cent tidal flood protection between the Humber Bridge and the Port of Hull to give Hull long-term security from the water without the need to build flood defence walls ever higher.
Commenting, Tim Rix, said: “The backers and promoters of Lagoon Hull are proud of putting together such an ambitious project which would truly transform this area but it’s clear that it’s now time for those in local and national government to take it forward.
“It completely delivers on flooding, transport, placemaking and port infrastructure. We believe it’s financially viable and practically possible – all backed by independent modelling and financial appraisals.”
Paul Hatley, Lagoon Hull project director, said: “We have utilised our available funds not just to absolutely prove that this project be achieved but also to showcase, perfectly and inspirationally, the massive financial benefits the project could bring to this area.
“I would like to thank all members of the public who have supported the scheme over the last few years and earnestly hope that they will continue to press the authorities to make the vision of Lagoon Hull a reality.”
The private sector has already raised over £600,000 to get the project to this stage, showing belief among local businesspeople in its long-term ambitions for Hull. Thousands of members of the public have also signed the Lagoon Hull wave of support, pledging their backing for an ambitious future for their city, while notable supporters to have publicly backed the plans include Dame Diana Johnson MP, Karl Turner MP, Emma Hardy MP and Lord Prescott.
It is now hoped the authorities will consider this support and make the aspiring vision for the region, and its people, a reality.