Public to Be Invited to Help Shape Future Design of Victoria Pier

Anyone who knows Hull knows Victoria Pier. It’s one of those spots that’s just… there. A part of the city’s furniture, sitting on the north bank of the Humber Estuary. But for a while now, it’s been closed off. And it turns out, there’s a very good reason for that. After a lot of checks, Hull City Council has found the much-loved pier is in a bit of a sorry state.

So, a big change is on the horizon for this piece of local heritage. But here’s the exciting bit: the public, including local residents and businesses, are being invited to help decide what its future will look like. This is a massive investment in the city's infrastructure and a chance to shape a landmark for generations to come.

What’s happening with the pier?

Ever since June 2022, the gates to the pier have been shut. It’s not been a decision taken lightly. The council had to call in the experts to do some serious checks. These detailed inspections revealed that the structure was in very poor condition. Think of it like a very old, very weathered garden shed that’s been battered by the elements for years. The team found several defects, including sections where the timber had started to rot away. When a structure has problems like these, safety has to come first.

Because of the deterioration, the decision has been made to remove the existing pier to keep the public safe. But this isn't the end of the story for this historical landmark. Recognising the pier’s historical importance, the council is committed to a major investment to build a replacement, ensuring its maritime history continues.

A chance for the public to shape the future

This is where things get interesting for the people of Hull. Instead of just replacing the pier with a carbon copy, the council wants the public to have a say in its future design. As part of its ongoing infrastructure investment programme, a public engagement poll is being launched in the coming weeks. A company called Mason Clark Associates has created three different outline design options. Each one suggests a totally different layout for the future Victoria Pier. Before any final decisions are made, everyone will get the chance to vote in the poll for the layout they think works best. It’s a genuine opportunity to influence a key part of the city. The winning option will then be taken forward and developed into a detailed design for the new pier. This process ensures that the final structure reflects what residents want to see. The future of the pier is in the hands of the public.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, who looks after transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, had this to say:

“Victoria Pier is an important part of Hull’s Maritime history. We know how much it means to our residents, and this poll is a vital step towards the pier once again becoming a welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy and reflect on our city’s heritage.”

He added, “When the poll opens, it will give everyone a chance to vote on how they want the pier to look - by choosing the layout they feel is most suitable – ultimately leading to a pier for future generations to enjoy.”

A pier with a proper history

Victoria Pier has seen a lot over the years. Its history stretches back over two whole centuries, which is pretty incredible. The structure people see today is just the latest version of something that has been constantly changing. Let's take a quick trip back in time.

• 1801-1805: The story begins. The original pier, known as Corporation Pier, was built. But it didn't stick out into the water like you’d expect. It actually ran alongside the shoreline to protect boats from choppy seas.

• 1847: A big change! The pier was finally connected to the mainland, making it much more like the structure people know today.

• 1877: More alterations. A floating pontoon was added, and it was around this time that it became known as Victoria Pier.

• 1881: The pier got a bit grander with the addition of a top promenade deck. You can just imagine people in their Sunday best strolling along it.

But the pier’s history hasn't all been smooth sailing. It has battled the elements and the passage of time. In 1963, the approach to the pontoon collapsed, and just a year later, the promenade deck was demolished. Throughout its long life, the pier has been rebuilt, repaired, and had bits of it removed many times. Its current shape is the result of all these historical alterations, not a perfectly preserved original design. This continuous evolution is a key part of its heritage and shows its resilience. This next chapter, with a new design, is just another step in its long and fascinating story.

What happens next?

The announcement on 02 March 2026 marks the beginning of a new era for Victoria Pier. The council is moving forward with its plans, driven by the need for public safety and a desire to preserve the city’s maritime history. The upcoming public poll is the main event for now. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the city’s residents to get involved in a significant local project. This investment will not only create a new landmark but also honour the heritage of the old one.

The chosen layout will form the foundation of a detailed design intended to serve future generations. All this work is part of a wider infrastructure investment from the council to improve key areas across Hull. People are encouraged to keep an eye out for more news on the poll's launch date. The future of Victoria Pier is about to be decided, and it’s a decision that the whole city can be part of.