History of Kingston Square displayed through creative artwork

While construction continues on the Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) and the extension of Hull New Theatre in Kingston Square, creative artists have captured the history of the area on a unique hoarding.

The artwork, completed in Worship Street by Hull-based aerosol artists Spray Creative, displays a timeline of historic events and local buildings in the area, as well as iconic figures from Charles Dickens to Ron Dearing.

Hull City Council and Sewell Construction felt it hugely important to highlight how the past is still reflected and remembered in the present in such an integral and changing part of Hull.

Garry Taylor, Hull City Council’s City Major Projects Manager, said:

“We wanted to share the history and significance of the local area and link in how the new developments are a nod to the past.

“These hoardings are a great piece of creative art capturing the history and future plans. Hopefully, it will help people understand the development of the buildings and how it is going to be respectful of its history.”

The artwork was conducted and completed over the weekend of 10 and 11 September despite adverse weather conditions for some of the time.

Mark Boothby, Sewell Construction Project Manager, said:

“The area has a lot of history and has been through a lot of change over the years.

“What we are doing now is changing the local area again for the better, but we also want to show people we understand, appreciate and respect that history.”

Spray Creative aerosol artists Kain Marshall, Ollie Marshall and Josh Ashton were behind the design and said they enjoyed the project.

Kain said:

“We have done some big projects recently and this is one of the biggest.

“I really like the concept with the historic timeline going from old to new. There are modern elements mixed in with the history. It’s a really good idea and it’s nice to fill an empty space with artwork. It gets people talking.

“Everyone on site is really pleased with how it looks. It’s turning heads when people walk by. It’s exactly what we wanted to achieve and picks up key points through history.”

Hull New Theatre is a Grade II listed building and the refurbishment scheme will play an integral part of the 10-year City Plan, which will see multi-million pound investments in the cultural and tourism infrastructure, contributing to Hull’s long term ambition to become a world class visitor destination.

Funded by the Education Funding Agency (EFA), the UTC is backed by Spencer Group, Siemens, Reckitt Benckiser, Smith and Nephew, KCOM and the University of Hull, and will teach up to 600 students aged 14-18. It will specialise in digital technology and mechatronics.

Hull City Council, along with Hull Esteem Consortium and Sewell Construction, have been working with the UTC sponsors, the University of Hull, the EFA, and the Department for Education (DfE) to develop an affordable, innovative and design solution for the city’s first UTC. It is due to be completed and open to students in September 2017.

Hull New Theatre is due to re-open summer 2017, the significant enhancements to the backstage areas, technical provision and increased seating will attract new, renowned national and international productions.