The South Blockhouse project, a new visitor attraction on the site of a Tudor castle in Hull, has been granted planning permission.
The South Blockhouse is part of a series of fortifications, including a central castle and a Northern Blockhouse, on the east bank of the River Hull.
The new attraction in England would explore the history of the former castle and blockhouse, built between 1541 and 1543 on the orders of Henry VIII.
A project page says the blockhouse is “the only section of the historic town defences to escape destruction during Hull’s urban development and growth from the 19th century onwards”.
Hull City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans to transform the site, located near The Deep, at a meeting on 5 March.
Once redeveloped, the former South Blockhouse site will serve as a cultural and educational resource.
Per a statement, “majestic, ghostly structures” will rise from the ground “to give a sense of the structure and scale of the original building”.
New cultural and educational resource
These structures, alongside hard and soft landscaping, will depict the footprint of the blockhouse, which was demolished in the 19th century, via the BBC.
As for the visitor experience, this will include a 3D model and mobile app utilising virtual and augmented reality.
The project was due to receive £1 million from National Highways. However, the government-owned company has confirmed it will no longer fund the project.
Nonetheless, Hull City Council is committed to delivering the visitor experience, and will “continue to explore all funding opportunities to ensure the project moves forward”, it said.
The remains of the South Blockhouse were uncovered by archaeologists in 2022.
Images courtesy of Hull City Council
