Chamber boss calls on National Highways to provide £1m fund to support Hull businesses after Castle Street delay shock

The Castle Street roadworks - 12 months' delay to completion date announced by National Highways.

THE announcement that completion of the £350-million Castle Street project has been put back by 12 months until Spring 2026 by National Highways, despite recent assurances that it was on schedule, has been met with dismay across Hull and the East Riding.

The city's traders and motorists now face another year of delays and challenging trading conditions as access to and from the city continues to be adversely affected.

The most expensive civil engineering project in the UK after HS2 was recently reported to be on schedule, but now, National Highways have said they have "encountered some extremely challenging ground conditions near the Humber that could not have been anticipated before the scheme began."

In their statement published on their website, National Highways said: “We recognise the disruption caused since the scheme began, and we're extremely grateful to everyone for their patience."

But that patience is rapidly running out as traders and drivers now face another year of disruption and delays.

Chamber Chief Executive, Dr Ian Kelly, said: “This is not the Christmas present we wanted from National Highways and this terrible news will put Hull’s business community under even more pressure at a time when many are struggling to cope with increased trading costs after the recent Budget.

“The Chamber is therefore calling for National Highways to set aside a £1-million fund to help local businesses survive for the further 12 months this work is now going to take after all the delays and damage caused to the businesses community in Hull city centre.

“We thought after all these years the end was in sight, and now we have to endure another 12 months of traffic chaos which deters people from coming into the city centre.

“I’m not sure what they expected to find when they dug down below the water table, but surely after all the years of planning, there shouldn’t have been any surprises!

Kathryn Shillito is the Executive Director of Hull’s Business Improvement District, (HullBID) and is equally dismayed by the news.

“Although we recognise the works are essential, we are disheartened to learn that completion is now scheduled for Spring 2026.  Hull city centre businesses have been both accepting and patient but in exceptionally challenging times, this news comes as another blow.  HullBID has tried its utmost to entice visitors into the city with events and marketing campaigns, whilst the businesses have gone the extra mile to keep their custom.  Financial support would be welcomed to continue pushing out the message that Hull city centre is very much open for business.” 

Jim Harris, the Centre Manager for St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, and HullBID chair, said: “This is very disappointing news. City Centre businesses have been heavily affected by the Castle Street scheme, and a lot of hard work has been done to mitigate the issues, but we could really do with some financial help if this is going to continue for yet another year!”