City centre river could be dammed

A constant water level could open the River Hull to greater use

The River Hull could be dammed as part of plans to regenerate the city which took its name, it has emerged.

Regeneration agency Hull Citybuild has commissioned a study to assess the impact of "impounding" the tidal river where it meets the Humber estuary.

It is hoped the scheme will increase the river's potential for leisure and transport use by creating a constant water level.

Damming the river would also boost the city's flood defences, planners said.

Earlier this week, the city council said it was considering plans for an £88m waterfront complex comprising 600 luxury flats, shops, bistros, offices and a 120-bed hotel.

Citybuild chief executive Adam Wasserman said: "Much of our work includes the waterfront development of Hull and the River Hull is undoubtedly one of the city's hidden gems, but is under utilised due to its fluctuating water level.

Plans have just been unveiled for an £88m waterfront complex

"A constant water level would offer unprecedented recreational, leisure and transport opportunities on the river. It could also pave the way for a number of interesting changes to the river's use throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire."

He said damming the river could completely transform the area and would complement other developments on the River Hull corridor, including The Deep aquarium, the Museum Quarter and proposed residential developments on the East Bank.

Citybuild has placed notices in publications across Europe seeking organisations to bid for the feasibility study, which is expected to start in the autumn.

It has received expressions of interest from 15 companies and is in the process of selecting the final tenders. Gary Wareing, portfolio holder for transport strategy and operations at Hull City Council said: "We must think creatively about how we want to use the river that has given this city its popular name and include the views of as many sections of the city as we can."