Agency Buys Island Wharf

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has bought one of Hull's few remaining undeveloped waterfront sites.

Its purchase of the seven-acre Island Wharf next to Hull Marina from Associated British Ports (ABP) is seen as a major boost for plans to bring more high-quality developments to the city.

Neil Bradbury, chief executive of regeneration partnership Hull Cityvision, said: "It would be a serious missed opportunity if we did not use a site like this for the sort of high quality icon development which Hull desperately needs.

"It's vital to integrate the waterfront with the city centre to create a more diversified and appealing central area. The development of this land will complement The Deep nearby and be part of a well thought-through planned process." He added that the deal would secure the land, previously earmarked for the University of Lincoln, on behalf of the city.