Following on from a week of celebrating sustainability, Princes Quay will be hosting a dock clean-up event in the hopes to highlight the importance of looking after the environment. The clean-up will see divers from Pontefract Scuba Club, along with Aston Services Group, take to the waters with specialist equipment to clean up the dock. 

The PQ Street Team will be taking care of the area surrounding the dock and litter picking throughout the city centre. Inside the centre, shoppers will be able to take part in upcycling workshops and family-friendly games.

As a hub for wildlife and a water sports venue, there’s been lots of speculation surrounding the PQ waters and even though the waters are regularly cleaned and maintained, divers have not taken the eight-metre plunge in many years.  

Kris Brown, Regional Operations Manager at Aston Services Group (who provide cleaning and security at Princes Quay) and member of the diving team from Pontefract Scuba Club said: "The Dock at Princes Quay is an iconic landmark here in Hull and it's maintenance and cleanliness is a priority. Dating from 1829, Princes Dock is home to the multi-purpose award-winning shopping centre - which is three sides surrounded by water and sits on stilts within the Dock. Princes Quay shopping centre hosts events, activities and community projects on a regular basis and the upkeep of the Dock is essential in maintaining a safe and hygienic visitor experience. The dive will include specialist equipment to clean the Dock and the team is very much looking forward to it.”

The Sustainability Project is all part of the centre’s PQ on Point month-long fashion event. This week has focused on upcycling, vegan ranges and fair trade picks - with so much to choose from in the centre, shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to eco-friendly options.  

John Magee, Centre Manager said: “It’s great to highlight such a pressing issue and think about the various ways we can be more environmentally conscious. We’ve had a great response from shoppers so far and we’re really looking forward to the dock clean up.”

Princes Quay’s ground floor will also be host to a unique exhibition in partnership with Drunk Animal, who will be installing various elements that have been used throughout their work, highlighting climate change. 

Calvin Innes from Drunk Animal said: “As a company we have made a commitment to help businesses highlight their activities around plastic waste and deliver high impact messaging that conveys the work being undertaken to address the issues. This has taken the form of large-scale art installations, interactive displays and public exhibition elements. The installation in Princes Quay will look at some of our past projects, as well as upcoming work we're involved with to bring this important subject to life.”

Work will be displayed alongside thought-provoking messaging to challenge shoppers to think about their environmental footprint.