Victoria Pier Poll Is Now Open: Here’s How to Help Choose the New Design

It’s always a bit sad when a local landmark has to change, isn't it? Like a favourite old park bench being replaced or a shop everyone's known for years closing down. In Hull, one of its most recognisable spots, the Victoria Pier, is set for a major transformation. But this isn't a story about loss; it's about a new beginning. Hull City Council has announced that the old pier is being removed, but a brand-new replacement is on the way. And the best part? The public, including residents and local businesses, get to help decide what it will look like. The council has started an engagement poll to choose a future design, ensuring the new Victoria Pier is something everyone in Hull can be proud of for generations to come. This is a chance for the public to directly influence the layout and feel of a significant piece of their city's infrastructure.

A new chapter for a city icon

The decision to replace the Victoria Pier wasn't made overnight. The structure has actually been closed to the public since June 2022. After some close checks, experts found it was in a really poor state. There were several defects, including sections that had started to rot. For safety reasons, it had to be closed. So, the council made the big decision to remove the current structure. But they knew how much the pier means to the people of Hull. It’s not just a walkway over the water; it's a place full of memories with huge historical importance. That's why, as part of a wider infrastructure investment programme, the council has committed to building a modern replacement. The removal of the old pier and the development of the new one will happen at the same time, meaning Hull won't be without its beloved waterfront feature for long. The goal is a seamless transition from the old to the new, protecting the city's heritage while building for the future.

The pier's ever-changing story

If anyone thinks this is the first time the pier has had a major makeover, they'd be mistaken. The Victoria Pier has a long and fascinating history of continuous change. It’s a bit like a character in a story that keeps evolving. Throughout its life on the banks of the Humber Estuary, it has been rebuilt, altered, repaired, and even partially demolished more times than many people realise. The version that was recently closed was itself the result of many previous changes, not the original Victorian design frozen in time. This history of adaptation is a key part of its heritage. The pier has always changed to meet the needs of the time, and this latest project is just the next step in its long journey. This isn't about erasing history but adding a new, exciting chapter. The new design will honour the pier's past while creating a space for future generations to enjoy the unique views of the Humber Estuary and connect with the city's maritime story.

Having a say in the future design

So, how does the public get to shape this new pier? On Thursday, 12 March 2026, Hull City Council launched a public engagement poll. To get the ball rolling, they brought in the experts at Mason Clark Associates, who have come up with three potential outline design options. Each option presents a different layout for the future pier. This is the public's chance to look at the concepts and vote for their favourite. It’s not about choosing the colour of the paint or the type of benches just yet; this poll is about the bigger picture – the overall layout. Which illustrative design feels right for Hull? The option that gets the most votes from residents and businesses will be the one that gets developed further. After the poll, that chosen layout will be turned into a detailed design, where all the finer points are worked out by the design team. The council is making it clear that public opinion will be the foundation of the pier's final form, ensuring the replacement truly reflects what the community wants.

A view from the council

The team at the council is genuinely excited about getting the community involved. They understand that the pier is more than just wood and metal; it’s a part of Hull's soul. The person leading this part of the city's infrastructure plans is Councillor Mark Ieronimo, and his words show just how much this project matters.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “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. This poll gives everyone a chance to choose how they want the pier to look – by picking the layout they feel is most suitable – ultimately leading to a pier for future generations to enjoy.”

This statement highlights the respect for the pier's heritage and the commitment to creating a space that serves future generations. The engagement poll is seen as the most important step in making sure the replacement is a success not just structurally, but emotionally too.

How to cast a vote on the layout

Getting involved is straightforward. The council wants to hear from as many people as possible, from residents who walk by the Humber Estuary every day to businesses that are part of the city's vibrant community. Every opinion on the proposed layout matters. The public poll is the official channel to make a voice heard and influence the final detailed design of the pier. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a major piece of public infrastructure. The future of the Victoria Pier is in the hands of the people of Hull, and the current engagement poll is the tool to build it. The chosen illustrative design will become the blueprint for a landmark that will be enjoyed for decades to come, continuing the pier's long history of continuous change.

• To see the designs and vote for a preferred layout, the public can visit the Victoria Pier replacement | Yoursay Hull page.

• To keep up with the project's progress, people can check the Victoria Pier | Programmes – Bridges | Hull page.