Princes Quay and Hull Venue are welcoming the possibilities offered by the new pedestrian link that will provide improved access between the sites. 

Work on the scheme got underway this week after planning permission was secured in early March, with the project set to be completed in time for the Venue’s opening this summer. 

The link will allow visitors to walk from the centre’s Quayside Level and over a zebra crossing on Waterhouse Lane to the Hull Venue site, whilst new cladding and signage will also be added to the centre’s facade. 

John Magee, Princes Quay Centre Manager, said: "The link with Hull Venue is the next big opportunity for us. What a legacy for the opening City of Culture year to leave us with – a brilliant facility right on our doorstep. We have developed a great partnership with the Hull Venue team and are looking forward to a successful working relationship that will certainly be a benefit for the city.” 

Dan Harris, General Manager of Hull Venue, has high hopes for what the new arena will mean for local businesses. He said: “Hull Venue is at the centre of the community and we pride ourselves on the relationships we are developing with our neighbours. It will attract thousands of people a week into the city centre – many from outside of the region – and this will, in turn, be of significant benefit to local business owners, shops, hotels and retailers in shopping centres like Princes Quay.” 

In addition to the pedestrian link, the partnership between the two sites will see joint announcements being made on the centre’s big screen, while discussions are ongoing with some of the Quay’s retailers to identify potential cross marketing opportunities. 

Paul Savage, Head of Entertainment Sales & Marketing for Hull Venue, added: “We have developed an excellent relationship with both the centre management and some of the key retailers within Princes Quay. We all recognise the exciting benefits the new arena will bring to Hull and it’s been great fun promoting our events across our respective social channels, but also utilising the new big screen in the centre.” 

The pedestrian link is the latest step in the £20m redevelopment of Princes Quay, with plans to enhance the food and beverage offering going hand in hand with the anticipated increase in potential customers the Venue will provide. 

Mr Magee added: “As well as attracting national food and beverage companies, there is the opportunity for us to attract some really strong local and regional operators to Princes Quay. 

“People are going to come to the city and they’re going to want to park and have something nice to eat. What’s essential for us is ensuring that these customers have a great experience, and that they are happy when they leave the centre. We have to get that right so that people want to come back.”