Revamped park to get Covid memorial garden

A revamped park is to get a memorial space to remember those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Queens Gardens in Hull is undergoing a £21m redesign as part of a larger refurbishment of the city centre's maritime history.

As part of the scheme, the existing Peace Garden at the eastern end of the park will be redesigned into an "informal space for contemplation", the city council said.

The area will feature new paving and 15 granite seats arranged in a circle with an artwork in brass in the paving stones.

It is being designed by Katayoun Dowlatshahi, who has consulted the Quakers who hold an annual meeting there to commemorate Hiroshima Day.

Ms Dowlatshahi said: "This garden is designed to be a sanctuary, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect in a meaningful way."

The former dock will also have references to the city's seafaring past, with designs based on the scrimshaw artworks carved on whale bones by sailors in the seating and surrounding walls.

Council leader Mike Ross said he hoped people would spend time at the site.

"We know how important it is to continue the memorial aspect of this location whilst also embracing the recent losses of human life during the Covid-19 global pandemic," he said.

"So many were affected by the pandemic and this space gives people the chance to connect, talk and reflect as well as remember those lost during Covid-19."

Work on the park is expected to finish in 2026.

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