Hull City Council’s Cabinet will consider giving the green light to a project to repair and renovate Hepworth’s Arcade, when they meet on Monday 27 March.

The scheme will see essential repairs to the historic and much-loved shopping parade, addressing damp and a backlog of maintenance, such as renovating the promenade flooring and repairing internal stonework. It will also be fully redecorated.

The project will also improve the quality of the retail units to attract new businesses in a bid to fill empty units.

In turn, this will bring further local jobs and increase the diversity of high-quality retail available and boost footfall in the area.

The overall cost of the project is estimated around £1.4m, the majority coming from the council’s Capital Programme, with additional grants being sought from external funders in support of this Grade II listed Victorian building.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “Hepworth’s Arcade is a Grade II listed building and a much-loved and admired retail destination in Hull’s Old Town.

“Owning the facility, the council has a responsibility to keep it well maintained and in good condition for future generations.

“Hepworth’s Arcade is home to a mix of bespoke, independent retailers and this investment will complement the amazing work done next door to make Trinity Market so popular and enjoyable.

“This funding from the council’s Capital Programme, alongside potential match funding from Historic England, will help reinvigorate Hepworth’s Arcade and ensure it remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors to our city centre.

“As part of the work plan, the council will involve existing tenants in a bid to limit the disruption to their businesses and ensure the success of the project.”

Communication with existing tenants has been underway for some time after an initial phase of works was undertaken in 2020 to repair the roof of the arcade.

Further formal engagements with tenants will take place offering the opportunity to contribute to the scheme.

Craig Broadwith, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, said: “We’re working closely with Hull City Council to develop a project which will breathe new life into Hepworth’s Arcade.

“A revived arcade will complement the successful rejuvenation of Trinity Market, the regeneration of Whitefriargate and the wider Old Town, being delivered through our two Hull Heritage Action Zone schemes.”