Community backs Hull’s East Bank Urban Village as plans are refined ahead of planning submission

Plans for Hull’s flagship East Bank Urban Village are progressing, with the first phase of public consultation confirming strong community support for transforming the east bank of the River Hull into a contemporary, mixed-use neighbourhood.

The consultation – held in September across in-person events and online engagement – attracted a wide range of residents, businesses and local organisations. Feedback showed a clear endorsement of the vision to unlock the prominent brownfield site for high-quality new homes, commercial space and green spaces.

What’s the vision for East Bank Urban Village?

ECF – our partnership with Homes England and L&G, are the lead development partner working with Hull City Council. We’re developing plans for a sustainable, residential-led development delivering approximately 850 new homes on the site opposite the Old Town. Once an important part of Hull’s maritime industry, this area has seen a significant decline in use since the mid-20th Century. Today, the site is primarily occupied by surface parking and vacant brownfield land.

Over a 15-year development period, East Bank Urban Village will introduce a mix of housing options, ground-floor commercial units and an interconnected network of streets, plazas and green spaces – all promoting a pedestrian and family-friendly environment in the heart of the city.

What was the feedback from the community conversation?

– 84% of respondents in favour of regenerating the long-term underused site.

– Broad endorsement for new homes in a central, well-connected location close to services, employment and public transport.

– Strong enthusiasm for new public spaces, play areas and riverside routes, improving safety, accessibility and attractiveness.

– Positive responses to the scheme’s sustainability focus, including energy-efficient homes and improved walking and cycling connections.

Alongside this, respondents offered further constructive suggestions on building prominence, parking and traffic management, biodiversity and heritage integration including future uses for existing historical landmarks including the Trinity House Buoy Shed. These insights are being fed directly into the emerging masterplan, with ECF advancing the detailed design and technical work required to bring forward a planning application in early 2026.

The project is supported by £9.8m in government-backed Levelling Up Partnership funding, underpinning enabling works and early infrastructure delivery. East Bank Urban Village will also make a significant contribution to the council’s ambition to deliver 2,500 new homes within Hull city centre as part of its Local Plan.

Once submitted, the planning application will be subject to a further statutory consultation period, providing residents, businesses and stakeholders with further opportunities to comment and contribute to the detailed proposals.

Raife Gale, senior development manager, said:

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development at the council, said:

“East Bank Urban Village is one of Hull’s largest ever regeneration projects and will act as a catalyst for further urban renewal and help to increase investor confidence in the city with all the economic benefits that will arise.

“The development is the future of Hull’s city centre living and so the council is delighted that our residents and other stakeholders and interested parties shared their thoughts with us to help shape it.”

East Bank Urban Village as a national case study

East Bank Urban Village  has already been selected as a national case study by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) which is held annually in Leeds in May.

Filming will take place in January, capturing how Hull City Council and ECF are working in partnership to accelerate delivery, attract investment and showcase Hull’s broader regeneration strategy to the national market. The project’s inclusion is expected to further boost investor confidence as East Bank moves toward planning and delivery.

For more information go to www.eastbank-hull.com