Key projects to benefit from £24m devolution cash

Two major projects will get extra funding as part of Hull and East Yorkshire's devolution deal.

The deal transfers new powers and funding to a combined authority, which will be run by an elected mayor.

The regeneration of Queens Gardens in Hull and the Rawcliffe Bridge solar farm are among the projects to receive a share of £24.6m funding.

Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council (HCC), said the investment will allow them to tackle challenging issues in the region.

Queens Gardens is undergoing a redesign as part of a larger refurbishment of the city centre's maritime history.

Funding of £12m was announced in 2021, but since then the project's cost has jumped up to £21.1m.

The plans include rebuilding the perimeter walls, adding new pieces of public art and improving its ability to host large-scale events.

Some of the capital funding will also contribute to the 30-acre (12.1 hectares) solar farm build in Rawcliffe Bridge.

Flooding and coastal programmes will see a funding boost in hopes to improve flood protection after recent storms, including Storm Babet and Storm Ciarán, hit the area.

The money will also be spread across transport in Bridlington, Hessle, Howden, Pocklington and the Kingswood area of Hull, while £4.6m will go towards building houses on previously developed land.

Jukes added: "It allows us to tackle issues that are challenging for our region, such as flooding, and invest in vital new infrastructure, such as transport connectivity, and cultural regeneration, whilst also allowing for the building of more homes."

Alan Menzies, chief executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), said: "It's fantastic to secure key funding for our region, as part of the devolution process."

The devolution deal to turn Hull and East Yorkshire into a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) was signed off by the government last September.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the changes were about "rebalancing the power between Westminster and our communities".

Mayors will be elected in May 2025, with control over housing, job creation and public transport, including bus franchising.

HCC and ERYC remain separate authorities but an MCA can access funds and has certain powers that the individual authorities currently don't have.

According to the two authorities, a £400m investment fund will be available to the MCA.

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