After submitting a bid to the HLF earlier this year, the council has been awarded a grant of almost £1.6million for a major regeneration grants scheme for the south end of Beverley Road. This grant is in addition to £511k from the council and £500k from the private sector.

The scheme will cover the stretch of Beverley Road between Freetown Way and Queens Road and will offer grants to property owners for urgent conservation repairs, including historic shop front restorations.

The scheme will also fund a series of boundary and public realm improvement works, as well as working with local schools and contractors to deliver heritage training and engagement opportunities.

Consultation with local residents as part of the bid's development illustrated they were positive about the scheme's proposals, with many highlighting that the number of derelict and empty properties (including shops) and poorly maintained historic buildings in the area has increased in recent years; along with other issues including graffiti, litter and antisocial behaviour.

The funding from HLF will allow the council to work with local people to address these issues, and support property owners to fund and carry out urgent repairs to their properties in a way that enhances the heritage of the area.

The scheme aims to work with the owners of key buildings in the conservation area, including Stepney Station, Hull's last urban station house building. This beautiful, but little known, Victorian station was designed by architect William Botterill and was opened in 1852-3. It is Grade II-listed and is currently owned by the Hull Anatolian Society, who have already carried out a large amount of work to save the building and to convert it into a community centre.

Councillor Martin Mancey, Portfolio Holder for the Beverley Road Town Heritage Initiative, said: "This scheme will have a huge positive impact on the Beverley Road area and deliver much-needed investment and heritage-led regeneration for one of the city's most important historic gateways. Beverley Road has been a major route into the city from at least the 14th century, and is still a key gateway for visitors and residents alike. This major public investment from the HLF will allow the council to support the regeneration of this important historic area and to deliver lasting improvements for the benefit of local people."

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we're delighted to support this project which help secure a bright future for historic Beverley Road. This investment is more than bricks and mortar. It is designed to encourage the community to work together and to generate pride in the area. It will also provide some excellent opportunities for local people and the economy."

The scheme will begin later this year and will continue until 2020. The team behind the scheme will also work with City of Culture Company around 2017, to support local people to explore and celebrate the culture and unique history of Beverley Road.

Notes to editors

The Beverley Road Townscape Heritage Scheme will cover the southern (city) end of Beverley Road, between Queens Road and Free Town Way. The scheme will only cover properties that front onto Beverley Road itself. Beverley Road, which has been a conservation area since 1992, is also on the national 'At Risk' register, because of the poor condition of a number of properties.

This project is part of Hull's 10-year City Plan that aims to make Hull a world-class visitor destination, improving key routes into the city.

Further information

For more information call the Hull City Council press office on 01482 300 300.