Queens Gardens, Hull — Renovation and Refurbishment – Main Works Contract

The refurbishment of Queens Gardens is a scheme related to the Hull: Yorkshire Maritime City project. The delivery of its masterplan will improve accessibility and visitor flows, deliver structural repairs through rebuilding the retaining walls, introduce bespoke pieces of public art, improve biodiversity and regenerate a much loved open space. The project will make the gardens fit for purpose, futureproofing the space and its ability to host large-scale events. The history of the gardens will be better told, reconnecting it with the origins of the space as a former dock. The improvement works at Queens Gardens will contribute towards delivering the objectives of HCC’s City Plan. The works represent a significant opportunity for the city, as the gardens are a valuable asset of large open space within the city centre. Providing good design and better integration into adjacent areas there is potential for Queens Gardens to create a magnificent public space and an improved area to host major events. Understanding the historic importance of the development of the gardens has been central to the design process, making sure that any improvements are carried out in a sensitive and respectful way. Aims of the design: • enable better public access with improved ramps and steps; • enhance the character and quality of existing streetscapes and spaces; • deliver improvements to the garden boundary walls; • frame key views and vistas; • reflect the changing seasons using colour; • increase biodiversity and habitats; • contribute to better surface water management; • enhance the sense of place; • tell the story of the garden’s history, especially as a former shipping dock; • facilitate improved/ larger events; • structure and define the key routes and boundaries; • offer shade and shelter for people using the space; • provide a range of bespoke seating; • provide a network of green corridors, significantly increasing the variety of species and ecological value of the overall site; • facilitate sustainable tree management; • installation of electric vehicle charging points; • restoration of the Rose Bowl fountain. After progressing designs to RIBA Stage 4, the authority is now in a position to seek tenders for the delivery of the works to Queens Gardens. The authority are intending to utilise the NEC4 Option B contract. This procurement consists of: • the demolition and rebuilding of the boundary walls of the gardens; • improvements to the highways network surrounding the gardens – excavation and associated resurfacing, improving drainage and signage, providing EV charging points and installing safer pedestrian crossings; • extensive hard and soft landscaping to the central area of the gardens and Rose Bowl area; • facilitating the installation of bespoke pieces of artwork and interpretation; • tree felling and replanting with specimen trees; • installation of new drainage system (Sustainable Urban Drainage scheme); • installation of bespoke lighting and improvements to the electrical infrastructure of the park to allow for large-scale events to be held; • undertaking restoration work to the historic Rose Bowl Fountain.