MP's concerns over delays to city park reopening

A Hull MP has written to the city's council leader expressing concern that the reopening of a park has been pushed back until spring next year.

Work on redeveloping Queen's Gardens was initially due to be completed by "late 2025".

Last month, Hull City Council confirmed that it would now be opening next year.

Emma Hardy MP, also sought assurances that there would be no further increase in the cost of the project, which has risen from an estimated £4.3m in 2019 to £21.1m last year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In her letter, the Hull West and Haltemprice Labour MP said that the delay would be "disappointing news for residents and city centre businesses who will no doubt be asking themselves whether this new date will be met".

She added: "Can the people of Hull have your assurance that this will be the final delay, and that there has been no increase in the final cost?"

In response, Liberal Democrat council leader Mike Ross said the project had "faced many challenges with the nature of the space and ground conditions".

"Queen's Gardens is one of Hull's most cherished green spaces, and its transformation is a vital investment in the city's future," he said.

Ross added: "We are able to announce that sections of the Gardens that are complete will be opened to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Guildhall Road has already re-opened and we are reaching an important stage of the project where a section of the Rose Bowl can be reopened in the coming weeks.

"This phased approach means residents and visitors can enjoy parts of the Gardens while the remaining elements of the project are completed."

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