Queen’s Gardens, Hull

Background

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Queen’s Gardens is a central feature of Hull’s city centre and plays an important role in the wider regeneration efforts under the Hull Maritime programme. Supported by funding from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme aims to revitalise this historic green space and create a cultural corridor linking the Maritime Museum, Dock Office Chambers and landmark ships such as the Arctic Corsair.

The gardens occupy the former site of Hull’s first wet dock, originally named ‘The Dock’ when it opened in 1778. It was later renamed Queen’s Dock in 1854 to mark a visit from Queen Victoria. Once the largest dock in England, it played a central role in Hull’s maritime trade before being infilled in the 1930s and later reimagined as a civic garden by Sir Frederick Gibberd.

Holophane became involved mid-way through the project. By this point, the scheme had already received planning approval, and the lighting concept had been developed by landscape architects Southern Green, with luminaires selected from several manufacturers. TGA Consulting Engineers first contacted Holophane to advise on integrating colour-changing lighting into the city’s existing Pharos control system.

During that conversation, Holophane identified an opportunity to assist with one of the project’s signature elements: six 15-metre sail-style columns that were initially planned to be sourced from a continental manufacturer. Holophane proposed a UK-based alternative and was subsequently specified for the supply of these bespoke architectural columns.    

Challenges

WHAT WAS INVOLVED

Although Queen's Gardens holds cultural and civic significance, the space has become increasingly outdated. Structural issues, failing trees, and accessibility concerns limited both everyday use and the hosting of large-scale public events.

While the design team had already established the lighting layout and product choices, Holophane was brought in for specific technical support. The challenge was to ensure that the specified lighting could be integrated with the city’s smart controls infrastructure and would perform reliably in a high-footfall, outdoor environment.

Holophane was also able to support the delivery of a UK-sourced solution for the landmark sail-style columns, offering reduced lead times and added confidence in product delivery. Although not involved in shaping the overall lighting design, Holophane’s technical input and responsiveness contributed to the success of a key feature in the scheme.

The solution

HOW WE ACHIEVED THE RESULT

Holophane’s role was focused on supplying pre-specified products and ensuring the successful delivery of the feature columns. While no custom optics or controls integration was required, Holophane’s UK-based solution for the sculptural elements provided a practical and visual benefit to the project.

1. Sail-style architectural columns

Six 15-metre sculptural columns were supplied by Holophane, designed to resemble ship sails and reflect the site’s maritime heritage. These were initially planned for overseas manufacture but were delivered instead through Holophane’s UK supply chain. Installed along the newly established Maritime Route, the columns serve as visual anchors for the landscape, helping to bring the heritage narrative to life.

2. Architectural and landscape lighting

•  24 compact architectural floodlights
  
  
• 40 mini landscape accents

These low-profile luminaires were supplied to meet the project’s existing design specification. They provide soft, adequate illumination for landscape features and pedestrian paths, improving nighttime visibility and ambience.

3. Functional urban lighting

• 53 Holophane CityMax luminaires

CityMax was utilised across the main routes and open areas of the site to ensure reliable and long-lasting illumination. Known for their robust build and optical consistency, these fittings support day-to-day use in busy public spaces.