Queen's Gardens opening date pushed back to 2026

Hull City Council's leader, Mike Ross helped plant the wildflowers

Hull's revamped Queen's Gardens is now not expected to fully reopen until early 2026.

In May, the city council said it expected the project, costing more than £21m, to be completed later this year.

The authority insisted the delay was not due to any major setbacks, adding it was an update to the schedule.

Leader Mike Ross said: "I know people are eager to see the gardens fully reopen, but work of this scale and quality takes time. We know that it's going to be fantastic when people are able to enjoy the space again."

The team from Mires Beck Nursery were joined by Hull City Council leader Mike Ross (pictured in yellow)

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, much of the work had been completed, with two large ponds refurbished with new filtration systems and fountains.

Ross said the area around the Rose Bowl fountain would reopen to the public "very soon".

Recently, 1,280 wildflowers were planted.

Ross visited the site to help plant blooms, such as foxgloves, primroses, bluebells and wood avens, which were provided by the charity Mires Beck Nursery.

Based in North Cave, the nursery provides opportunities for adults living with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, and is a leading supplier of wildflowers.

Lynn Dutch, the charity's team leader, said it was a privilege to have been part of the project.

Ross added: "We know that it's going to be fantastic when people are able to enjoy the space again.

"A tremendous amount of work has taken place and it will be a brilliant space for people to enjoy, whether it's just to come and spend time or for cultural events and other activities."

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