The creation of a new energy efficient visitor centre at North End Shipyard has moved a step closer with contractors now being invited to show an interest in delivering this element of the £30m Hull Maritime project.

Interested contractors are now able to enter the first stages of a tender process by expressing an interest and completing a selection questionnaire. The staged approach will enable the Hull Maritime project to assess all bids before selecting up to six contractors to compete for the contract.

The ambitious plans for the visitor centre will put Hull on the map, becoming one of the most energy efficient buildings in the UK’s cultural and heritage sector.

Garry Taylor, Assistant Director for Major Projects and Place, said: “This staged approach to the procurement process will allow us to ensure the best contractor is appointed to undertake and deliver an important element of the Hull Maritime project.

“The North End Shipyard is a hidden gem, steeped in shipbuilding history. The creation of the new visitor centre will regenerate the area, celebrate its 400 year history and showcase the Arctic Corsair’s tremendous career.”

The creation of the new two-storey visitor centre next to the dock and landscaping to the surrounding dockyard will not only regenerate the area, it will also highlight its historical significance and have its story told for the very first time.

The shipyard will also become the new, permanent dry-berth for the Arctic Corsair – Hull’s last remaining deep sea sidewinder trawler.

The Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, encompasses the redevelopment of five historic sites in Hull city centre: the transformation of the Grade II* Hull Maritime Museum and the Dock Office Chambers, the creation of a new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard and the restoration two historic vessels, the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.