What Is Hull City Council's Plan For New Affordable Homes And Housing Growth?

Finding a good, affordable place to live can be a real headache. It seems like a massive topic of conversation everywhere at the moment, and Hull is no different. The good news is that Hull City Council has a big plan to tackle this head-on.

The council is kicking off an ambitious housing programme, aiming to build hundreds of new, affordable homes right across the city over the next few years. It's a huge project, part of a long-term strategy to make sure people in Hull have access to the kind of housing they need. This isn't just about building houses; it's about building a stronger community and boosting the city's future.

What's the big idea?

So, what's actually happening? The council has put together something called a Housing Growth Plan. Think of it as a detailed roadmap for building new homes in the city all the way up to 2031. The main goal is to increase the number of available homes, especially affordable ones. These proposals aren't just a quick fix; they are part of a much bigger strategy to solve the housing shortage. The plan is designed to make a real difference, adding hundreds of new properties to the city's housing stock. It's a serious commitment to growth and development for Hull.

This isn't just about numbers, though. The whole point of this ambitious approach is to respond to what people in the city have been saying they need. Good quality, affordable housing is at the top of the list for many families. The council's ambitions are focused on creating places where people genuinely want to live. It's a long-term vision that involves careful planning and a lot of work, but the end goal is a city with better housing choices for everyone. This plan for growth is a key part of the council's overall housing strategy, setting out a clear path for the future.

Where will the new homes be built?

The first wave of this new development is set to begin in a couple of key areas. One of the main sites is the Pickering development in the west of Hull. If you know that part of the city, you'll be familiar with the Boothferry Flats. As part of this plan, the existing Boothferry Flats are scheduled to be demolished to make way for brand-new, modern homes. This is a massive change for the area, replacing older buildings with housing that's fit for the future. Another location earmarked for new homes is Selworthy Close in Bransholme.

Focusing on specific areas like these means the council can make a noticeable impact. Instead of scattering a few houses here and there, this approach creates new little communities and revitalises neighbourhoods. For people living near the old Boothferry Flats, this development will completely transform the landscape. The proposals for these sites are the first practical steps in turning the Housing Growth Plan from a document into real bricks and mortar, creating tangible change across the city of Hull.

Who is going to build them?

A plan this big needs a great team to make it happen. The council isn't going to build all these homes on its own. Instead, it's looking for expert help from the construction industry. Right now, the council has put out a call for 'Expressions of Interest' - or an EOI. That might sound a bit formal, but it's basically the council's way of saying, "Hey, builders and developers! We've got a massive project to build amazing new homes in Hull. Who's interested in working with us?"

An EOI is the first step in finding the right delivery partners. The council is looking for companies that are not only skilled at building but are also focused on partnership. It's about working together collaboratively to achieve the best results for the city. This initial call for interest, which has a deadline of Friday 22nd August, will help shape the council's procurement strategy-that's the official process for choosing who gets the building contracts. The aim is to find partners in the construction industry who share the council's ambitions for creating high-quality, affordable homes for the people of Hull.

Here are the key goals of this housing programme:

• To address the local impact of the national housing crisis.
• To deliver hundreds of new, affordable homes across Hull.
• To act on community feedback that prioritises safe and comfortable living spaces.
• To support the city's economic renewal through new construction projects.
• To fulfil the long-term ambitions of the Housing Growth Plan, which runs until 2031.

Why is this all happening now?

This big push for new housing isn't happening in a vacuum. It's a direct response to a serious and growing problem. As Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the portfolio holder for economic renewal and housing, pointed out, the situation is clear.

"We know that there is a housing crisis in the country, which shows no sign of waning, so it's important that we bring forward our ambitious approach to bring affordable choices to the people of our city," he said. "We know that from listening to our residents when putting together our Community Plan that their top priority is safe, affordable and comfortable places to live."

This shows that the council's plan is rooted in what the local community wants and needs. The proposals are a direct result of listening to residents. The Housing Growth Plan is now in place until 2031, making it a cornerstone of the council's long-term vision. Councillor Paul Drake-Davis added, "We're now seeking prospective delivery partners across the construction industry who have a strong focus on partnership and working collaboratively, so that they can help deliver good quality Council homes across Hull." This ambitious approach is all about taking decisive action to improve the housing situation for the entire city.