Hull Venue: Music and exhibition centre plans approved

The revised plans for Hull Venue include changes to the appearance of the building

Revised plans for a £36m music and exhibition centre in Hull have been approved by the city council.

The 3,500 capacity Hull Venue is due to be built on land close to Princes Quay shopping centre and open by 2018.

A planning committee previously rejected the proposal, despite officers recommending approval.

A council report said the initial refusal was due to elements of the plans "not being an adequately high standard of design".

The council claims the venue would attract 240,000 visitors a year.

It aims to attract conferences and exhibitions as well as touring concerts and sporting events.

The revised plans include changes to the appearance of the venue, but it will be roughly the same size as previously planned.

Eight councillors voted for the revised plans, with four against.

Councillor Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for visitor destination, said: "The approval of this scheme is key to making Hull a top visitor destination and to securing a long-term legacy from our year as UK City of Culture."

Plans to create an amphitheatre with terraced seating at Beverley Gate were also approved at the meeting

Plans to improve Beverley Gate, the remains of Hull's ancient defence walls, were also approved at the meeting.

The site was where King Charles I was refused entry to Hull in 1642, sparking the English Civil War.

The area will be excavated further, creating an amphitheatre with terraced seating.