Beverley Road Townscape Heritage Scheme
2025
Evaluating the Heritage Lottery-funded Beverley Road Heritage Scheme, an ambitious £1.6 million project transforming buildings, public spaces, and community life.
Project Downloads
Six achievements & six lessons from the Beverley Road THS
Since 2015, the Beverley Road Townscape Heritage Scheme has been breathing new life into one of Hull’s most historic gateways. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project set out to celebrate Beverley Road’s rich architectural and social history - restoring its buildings, reimagining its spaces, and reconnecting people with the stories that shape their community.
Our Approach
As the project’s long-term evaluation partner, we’ve been part of the journey for seven years - from early baseline studies through to the final evaluation. Along the way, we gathered feedback, supported reflection, and helped Hull City Council adapt and learn as the project evolved. Our role was to capture not just what changed, but why — the learning, relationships, and moments of pride that made a lasting difference.
Key Findings
Restoring heritage landmarks: More than £1.6 million was invested in the restoration of ten historic buildings, including Pendrill House, Brunswick Arcade, and Rose Villa. From elegant Georgian villas to bustling shopfronts, each repair helped to stitch Beverley Road’s character back together.
Bringing places back to life: The work sparked fresh energy in local businesses. The Station Inn, a much-loved Hull pub, has flourished as an independent freehouse, while Stepney Station has become a vibrant community hub for Summit Education.
Greener, more welcoming spaces: Stone gates, railings, and trees have been restored and replanted, transforming once-tired public areas into inviting green spaces. The area around Beverley Road Baths, for instance, now feels cared for and alive.
A cleaner, prouder neighbourhood: Visible improvements have encouraged people to take pride in their surroundings — less litter, more respect for public spaces, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Skills and knowledge shared: Hands-on training, maintenance advice, and heritage walks have helped residents and tradespeople develop new conservation skills and deepen their connection to the area’s past.
Creativity telling local stories: From the Alex Hunt mural at Pearson Primary to Migrant Stories by Groundwork, and films by Edgeland Arts and Nova Studios, arts-led projects celebrated the diversity and voices of Beverley Road’s communities.
Outputs
10 historic buildings restored
Major public realm and green space improvements
Over 50 community heritage and arts activities delivered
Training and guidance for residents and local trades
Accessible heritage trails and public artworks created
Impacts and learnings
The scheme showed that real change comes from valuing both people and place. By focusing on buildings that residents already loved and working closely with local groups and schools, Beverley Road THS built momentum that went far beyond bricks and mortar.
Yet, the project also highlighted important lessons: grant models need to flex around local realities, and focusing efforts in a smaller area could make the visible impact even stronger. Above all, it reminded us that sustaining heritage work is a long game - one that depends on trust, skills, and ongoing investment.
Hull City Council has already carried this spirit forward, securing new funding to restore Pearson Park and the National Picture Theatre - a testament to what can happen when heritage and community evolve together.
“It feels like the area is on the up now. It’s a more attractive place to live in. I have personally noted that anti-social behaviour has receded and that business is improving It’s been mutually beneficial, for us and for the local people.”
Local business owner
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