Pride in place is a passion we all need - and we need to be present to police it too
It is very easy to focus on the marina and Humber Street when looking for an inspiring backdrop in Hull city centre. Rightly so, but some amazing projects have been realised beyond there, with more still to come.
For a time it seemed as though there was one spot, maybe even an X chalked on the boardwalk path, by the impressive C4Di Fruit Market development. It was there that every photo opportunity that had to say Hull, had to be. The Deep beyond, new build before. Tick, tick, tick.
But strength lies in depth, just ask those Tigers at the MKM - currently riding high in the Premier League - and there's architecture and green space in abundance, all within a short walk, and all now opened up. The cultural trail of Yorkshire's maritime city is emerging too, embracing it all, and it was rightfully a main plank of Insider Media's latest #InvestinHull event.
These regular panel sessions, a networker's delight, focus on the front foot, exude confidence, and are well supported. Insider editor Ian Leech, a hugely respected journalist who would have you believe he could play 'Dour Yorkshireman Extra #2' in Emmerdale or Last of the Summer Wine to a tee, but actually lights up a room with quick wit and healthy rapport, usually serves up the questions, and those putting themselves forward bring their take, and there's rarely a moment I don't find myself nodding enthusiastically along.
It was great to hear from big investors such as Pagabo, Associated British Ports, Wilkin Chapman Rollits and others, talking really positively about the region in the fabulous Hull Maritime Museum. It is the marvellous triangular building on Queen Victoria Square that has recently re-opened having been painstakingly reinvigorated while being closed for longer than I've regularly been crossing the Humber Bridge to earn a crust. Pre-Covid, I've found myself saying, as an era is now defined. I suppose it beats austerity.
And what a delight Hull Maritime Museum is. The decor itself is worth your time, never mind the fascinating exhibits within such a special structure. With hoardings down, the splendour is revealed, timely with the Burton Building and Queen's Gardens opposite also completing.
Can a city ever be cone free? It feels close! Now pride in the public realm needs to be maintained. We're all vital eyes and ears there. Populating a place polices it perfectly, and while a gentle breeze and 20 degrees C in mid- September makes it much more favourable than freezing February, footfall will always be key to ensuring our assets remain A-grade. Free museums too, folks! Good for the soul in those dark days ahead.
We're nearly a decade on from City of Culture. And while we'll all go blue if we get naked and walk around in winter (remember that liberating curtain raiser?!) the legacy and many a livelihood now lives on. Hull has enhanced itself immeasurably.
I have high hopes for my corner of the Humber region too, as Cleethorpes' central core gets a major face-lift. It has been a tough summer as business has felt the brunt, but there have been other burdens beyond work in progress, and hopefully the prolonged heat and constant sunshine of Summer 2026 helped many others.
There's GY28 too, the UK Town of Culture bid and a delightful opportunity to shine a light on a place of graft and grit, spirit and endeavour. The first port of the Energy Estuary, where 'yes' is the answer, regardless of the question. A favoured local brewery, Docks Beers, has just tapped the barrel on its ambitious expansion plans and major new leisure facilities are nearing to revitalise the town centre, where the local authority positively took control as private plans went awry. Even the football club (crosses everything) is in the ascendency.
My overriding thought? Work takes time and patience is a virtue, as results can be truly astounding.
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