Garfield Weston Foundation Awards £300,000 to Hull Maritime Foundation

Hull’s proud maritime past is taking another bold step toward the future, thanks to a major funding boost from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The Hull Maritime Foundation (HMF) has been awarded a generous £300,000 grant to support the city’s ambitious maritime project, reinforcing Hull’s place as a key cultural destination in Yorkshire and beyond.

This latest grant will help bring over 1,300 historic maritime artefacts back to public view at the refurbished Hull Maritime Museum. These significant items, currently in storage, will be carefully catalogued, conserved, and prepared for display using bespoke mounts and interpretation as the museum prepares to reopen its doors.

The funding will also support the next chapter of the Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler, as she moves to a new, purpose-built berth at the North End Shipyard, giving visitors an immersive experience of the city’s fishing heritage.

This is the second time the Garfield Weston Foundation has backed Hull’s maritime regeneration. In 2020, the Foundation awarded £350,000 towards the extensive refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Hull Maritime Museum, showing long-term commitment to the city’s cultural renewal.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for their continued support,” said David Atkinson, Chair of Hull Maritime Foundation. “This grant marks a major milestone in our efforts to preserve and share Hull’s maritime story with the world. Their renewed commitment shows real confidence in our project and in the cultural significance of our city’s maritime past.”

Founded in 1958, the Garfield Weston Foundation is one of the UK’s most respected charitable institutions, supporting nearly 2,000 organisations each year, with a strong focus on community and heritage-led projects.

About the Hull Maritime Project

Spearheaded by Hull Maritime Foundation, the Hull Maritime project is one of the UK’s most ambitious heritage-driven regeneration initiatives. Spanning six historic sites and two iconic ships, the project includes:

• Restoration of the Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers
• A reimagined Queens Gardens to connect the city centre to the water
• Preservation and relocation of the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship
• Storytelling and site development at South Blockhouse
• The return of the Guildhall Time Ball, reclaiming Hull’s historic skyline

By celebrating Hull’s unique maritime identity, the project is expected to deliver £5.5 million annually to the local economy, attract thousands of new visitors, and create opportunities in learning, volunteering, skills development and employment.

Learn more at maritimehull.co.uk