Business owners concerned over marina works

Natalie Bell & Rachel Russell
BBC News
BBC Emma Sadofsky, manager at The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar, has bobbed blonde hair and is wearing a blue puffed coat. She has a black and white spotty blouse on underneath and is wearing a silver necklace.BBC
Emma Sadofsky, manager at The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar, is concerned about trade in the summer

Business owners have criticised the timing of construction work along Hull's marina, claiming it will impact custom over the summer.

Pavements are being upgraded on Princes Dock Street, Humber Dock Street, and from Blackfriargate to Liberty Lane in the High Street.

Emma Sadofsky, manager at The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar in Humber Dock Street, said the works would affect them for months but particularly in the summer.

Hull City Council said the "vital improvements" were expected to be completed later this year, but it understood the concerns and was working with its contractor to maintain access to businesses.

Ms Sadofsky said: "We rely heavily on the bull pen in the summer for drinkers and people visiting the area and coming to the restaurant."

She added that the nearby A63 improvement scheme, opposite the marina works, is adding to the problem and out-of-town visitors were struggling to park.

"The parking situation is tough for those who are not from this area," she said. "They just assume the marina is closed off, so that will affect us."

A cobbled street with a tall metal barrier fencing off trees and a pedestrianised walkway. In the distance are boat masks and behind them is a row of tall flats and commercial buildings.
Hull City Council said the renovations included new landscaping and seating

Jack Hannam, from Humber Dock Tavern in Humber Dock Street, said he thought the work was happening at the wrong time.

He said: "It would have been better with more notice, or if they had done it a bit more in winter during the quiet months, as we're about to go into our busiest months."

Jack Hannam has short brown hair and a goatee beard and moustache. He is smiling and wearing a green fleece-like top and an orange and blue top underneath. He is standing behind the bar and there are beer taps behind him.
Jack Hannam said the work should have been done at a different time

In a statement, Hull City Council said it "empathised with businesses" and was exploring options for outdoor seating provision.

A spokesperson also said the refurbishment marked "a significant step towards enhancing Hull's city centre cultural offer".

"These improvement plans aim to create more inclusive and accessible spaces, featuring new landscaping, seating and improved heritage interpretation, alongside the introduction of a new green space on Humber Dock Street."

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