Investing in the UK City of Culture
Over the years, Hull has had a bit of a rough time financially, a bad rap media-wise, and few ambassadors outside of its municipal boundaries. Heavy bombing during the Second World War was followed a couple of decades later by the rise of stark 1960s architecture, looming ominously over the myriad of ornate, eye-catching and uniquely juxtaposed structures that had defied the Luftwaffe. This was combined with a rapidly dwindling fishing trade and a sharp rise in unemployment, all met with apathy by a country that had its own problems and very little link economically, culturally or even physically with a secluded North East Coast Town.
Since then, each decade has presented a mini renaissance. From poetry and music to sporting triumphs and new trade, Hull as an entity has always done what it can to keep its citizens happy and healthy, despite a variety of barriers and stumbling blocks. The twenty-first century brought with it premiership status for the Tigers as well as modern architecture in St Stephen’s shopping centre, the BBC Building, The Deep, KC Stadium and many other striking homes for the city’s thriving social scene, but still the UK paid relatively little notice. Then, one autumn morning at 7:45am, everything changed.
On Wednesday 20th November 2013, Maria Miller, the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, announced to the world that Hull, a place that many wouldn’t be able to point out on the map, was to become the UK City of Culture for 2017. Unsurprisingly, this was met with tangible excitement that is still growing by the day.
Over the last ten years or so, Hull has seen a surge in creative accessibility. An excellent example of this is its range of annual events, from the comprehensive Freedom Festival that welcomed 115,000 people in 2014, to the Hull Comedy Festival, Humber Mouth Literature Festival, Humber Street Sesh and Assemble Fest, a new celebration of theatre on Newland Avenue. Then there are the numerous libraries, museums, theatres, arts and community organisations, pop-up galleries, street events and all manner of other sources of inspiration, each inviting the public to discover something new. Just visit Spring Bank and you’ll find a series of elephant carvings in the paving slabs, paying tribute to a mighty pachyderm that was taken for regular walks to and from the Victorian era’s Zoological Gardens. Meanwhile, adjacent to the picturesque marina, the popular Humber Street boasts psychedelic wall art by Hull-raised artist Pinky, who has helped young people across the world to embrace visual expression.
The winning of City of Culture status has already done so much for Hull. With national media coverage and positive articles appearing on a regular basis, not to mention an abundance of local activity and ever-increasing pride from residents, it truly is one of the best places in the UK to invest in property. Whilst the first year in this run-up has seen a vast portfolio of developments, stakeholders are working diligently to ensure that the city will continue to grow far beyond 2017. A focus on longevity has never been more important.
Invest in Hull property before all high quality premises are snatched up. Get in touch with us for a friendly chat by calling 01482 342155, or email info@hullinvestmentproperties.co.uk. This is Hull’s time; be a part of it.
By Richard Sutherland
