Plans approved for Henry VIII castle attraction

A visitor attraction on the site of a Tudor castle has been granted planning permission, despite concerns over funding.

The South Blockhouse project would celebrate the history of the former Hull Castle, which was built on the orders of Henry VIII between 1541 and 1543.

Three large mesh structures would be constructed on the site, near The Deep, to give a "ghostly translucent impression" of the former blockhouse, councillors heard.

Hull City Council said it was looking at "potential sources of funding" after MP Karl Turner raised concerns about a £1m shortfall.

According to the plans, the project would transform a piece of land which is at present used as overflow car park for The Deep aquarium, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The mesh structures and brick paving would depict the footprint of the blockhouse, which was demolished in the 19th century.

In addition, a three-dimensional model and mobile app would provide a multisensory visitor experience through virtual and augmented reality.

The plans were approved unanimously, with a condition imposed to ensure a sufficient number of bins were provided to deal with potential littering.

Concerns over funding were also addressed at the meeting on Wednesday.

The project had been due to receive £1m from National Highways, but last week it emerged that the money had never been officially allocated.

National Highways said that while it had previously supported the initial stages of the project, it had been "unable to progress with further funding".

But the disclosure prompted Turner to warn that the shortfall meant the future of the project was "at risk".

During the planning meeting, a council officer said: "Originally the scheme was intended to be funded through the designated funds pot from National Highways.

"We've recently found out that that's not currently the intention of National Highways."

The council was now "looking at other potential sources of funding as well as the National Highways path".

Tim Gamon, regional delivery director at National Highways, previously said the agency was "committed to investing in improvements in Hull, such as the A63 Castle Street project".

The South Blockhouse protected Hull's harbour and featured a stone tower and gun platforms for cannon.

The remains, including walls, earthworks and a cannon, were uncovered by archaeologists in 2022.

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