Part of city park to reopen in weeks after revamp

Part of a city centre park will reopen within weeks following a major redevelopment, officials have said.

Queen's Gardens in Hull is undergoing a £21.1m revamp.

The city council said the rose bowl and fountain would reopen in June, although access would be limited.

The gardens are the city centre's biggest green space at more than eight acres (three hectares) and the site was once the UK's largest dock but was filled during the 1930s.

As part of the ongoing work two large ponds within the main garden area have also been refurbished and fitted with new filtration and fountain systems.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, thousands of fish which were temporarily removed have now been returned.

Paving, seating and lighting has also been improved in the park itself and surrounding roads.

More than 450 trees have also been planted.

Council leader Mike Ross said the redevelopment, which has been hit by delays and rising costs, would create a "long-lasting future" for the gardens.

"When complete, it will be a vibrant and much-loved green space right in the heart of our city – one that everyone will be able to enjoy for years to come," he said.

"The wait will be worth it."

Queen's Gardens is expected to be fully reopened to the public by the end of 2025.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.