New access for important tourist attraction

The vessel at Hull

A new walkway to allow people to access the historic Spurn Light Vessel in Hull is being fabricated and installed by AJE.

Following a 14-month restoration project, the lightship is currently docked at a temporary berth in Hull Marina.

It’s being restored as part of the Hull Maritime project, and she will return to use as a floating museum, hence the need for the new walkway.

The project is being delivered by Hull City Council and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and AJE has been contracted by Spencer Group on Hull City Council’s behalf.

Spencer Group are located in Hull and have been contracted to create a whole new dock for the iconic vessel which is part of a major regeneration project.

Much like some of the Forres works that AJE secures (see Forres WwTW story), Spencer Group has secured this project which is just yards from its Hull HQ.

Kevin Smith, project manager said: “Our part in this development is relatively small, but the whole regeneration scheme is massive, so it’s great to be involved one way or another. It has huge historical significance in Hull’s maritime history and is a fascinating project.  It’s also great to be working with Spencer Group once again as we have an ongoing relationship with them.”

The new walkway being fabricated

In 2020, AJE was tasked by Spencer Group with fabricating a replacement of the inspection gantry for the Kessock Bridge. The inspection gantry is used to carry out examinations on the bridge and the contract which was worth £300K involved all the skillsets that the AJE boasts.

Alan James said: “It is great that we are continuing our relationship with Spencer Group. They are renowned for taking on more unusual projects and they have used us on many occasions to fabricate and install more bespoke pieces. It’s great to see that we are now involved in another interesting project.”

Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, Light Vessel No.12 Spurn was based at the Spurn station outside the Humber. The lightship was key to guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary.

It was decommissioned in November 1975 then purchased by Hull City Council in 1983 and restored as the Spurn prior to being opened as a floating museum in Hull Marina.

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