A prospectus has been being launched for Hull city centre, designed to attract big brand names in the retail, leisure, food and drink industries to the city, as well as independent investors who recognise Hull's unique potential.

The prospectus forms part of a wider strategy to attract investment and improve the city’s offer as a place to visit, capitalising on Hull’s status as UK City of Culture 2017.

Representatives from Hull City Council, HullBID, Hull 2017, Humber Bondholders, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) joined forces to launch the prospectus in Hull and will also attend the largest business to business networking event for the retail property industry being held in Manchester later this week.

Organised by British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), the event will give Hull access to 2,500 top retailers, property investors and developers from the UK.

Jim Harris, Chair, Hull BID, said: “We already have an eclectic mix of successful high street anchors to innovative independents, and we know the retail and leisure sector plays a vital role as a provider of employment in Hull.

“In order to maximise the current opportunities, the city has to attract further investment. City centres are evolving and we must reflect this change, whilst embracing the natural progression it is making towards the growing residential, leisure, food and drink offer.”

More than £1billion is being invested in the city through major developments including regeneration of the Fruit Market, Green Port, RB, and Hull City Council’s investment in the public realm and cultural venues.

Jon Pywell, City Culture and Place Manager said: “Since being named as UK City of Culture 2017, confidence in the city has grown, and the launch of this prospectus aims to build on this, outlining what Hull now has to offer, and show what an attractive proposition the city provides.

“Our aim is for major retail operators to consider Hull as part of their long-term expansion plans.

“We also want to encourage local entrepreneurs to develop our independent offer.”

Martin Green, CEO and Director, Hull 2017, said: "Being UK City of Culture is an unprecedented opportunity to promote what this great city has to offer, as a place to live, visit, do business with and invest in. The national attention that 2017 is bringing means there has never been a better time to come here.

“With an already thriving cultural scene, 12 million people within a one and half hour drive and the aim to bring in one million extra visitors next year, Hull is the place to be, if you are looking to expand or establish your business."

Anita Pace, Chair, Bondholders, added: “As momentum builds towards Hull’s year of culture, all eyes are upon the city and the sense of optimism and confidence here is palpable.

"At the heart of the region, Bondholder members play a fundamental role in driving the local economy. As an organisation, we therefore recognise the importance of creating a legacy for Hull, that offers a strong combination of investment, infrastructure and culture – solidifying the wider area's future prosperity.

"Attracting the right players within the retail and leisure sector therefore plays a crucial role in the city's development strategy.”