News that Hull’s £350m Castle Street project has been delayed until Spring 2026 by National Highways has been met with dismay and demands for a £1m compensation package.
The Hull and Humber Chamber says the city’s traders and motorists now face another year of delays and challenging trading conditions as access to and from the city continues to be hampered.
National Highways say they have encountered some extremely challenging ground conditions near the Humber that could not have been anticipated before the scheme began.
Patience is rapidly running out as traders and drivers now face another year of disruption and delays, says Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly. “This is not the Christmas present we wanted from National Highways, and this terrible news will put Hull’s business community under even more pressure at a time when many are struggling to cope with increased trading costs after the recent Budget.
“The Chamber is therefore calling for National Highways to set aside a £1m fund to help local businesses survive for the further 12 months this work is now going to take after all the delays and damage caused to the businesses community in Hull city centre.
“We thought after all these years the end was in sight, and now we have to endure another 12 months of traffic chaos which deters people from coming into the city centre.
“I’m not sure what they expected to find when they dug down below the water table, but surely after all the years of planning, there shouldn’t have been any surprises!
Kathryn Shillito, Exec Director of Hull’s Business Improvement District added: “Although we recognise the works are essential, we are disheartened to learn that completion is now scheduled for Spring 2026. Hull city centre businesses have been both accepting and patient but in exceptionally challenging times, this news comes as another blow. HullBID has tried its utmost to entice visitors into the city with events and marketing campaigns, whilst the businesses have gone the extra mile to keep their custom. Financial support would be welcomed to continue pushing out the message that Hull city centre is very much open for business.”
Jim Harris, the Centre Manager for St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, and HullBID chair, said: “This is very disappointing news. City Centre businesses have been heavily affected by the Castle Street scheme, and a lot of hard work has been done to mitigate the issues, but we could really do with some financial help if this is going to continue for yet another year!”
