Hull's new £10m gym refurbishment project officially opens with a game of hook the duck

Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness in Hull has been officially opened by the Lord Mayor, with a giant game of hook a duck in the new lido, following a major £10m refurbishment project by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter.

The project included building a large new gym and fitness studio, remodelling, refurbishing and redecorating the existing building, replacing all mechanical and electrical systems, and installing new heating and ventilation systems. The scheme has also seen the construction of a brand-new outdoor heated lido, replacing the original one which closed more than 30 years ago.

Following the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, by Lord Mayor, Cllr Kalvin Neal, the hook-a duck schools competition that was launched over the summer by the project’s contractors through the Esteem Consortium, Hobson & Porter, was judged.

More than 60 large rubber ducks, decorated by year six pupils at schools across the city, were launched into the lido with the winning design receiving a class swim lesson.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many schools getting involved in this competition, with some excellent designs for us to choose from. With Hull Fair now open, it feels very appropriate to have a giant hook-a-duck only a few hundred metres away!

“The winners will receive the unique opportunity of a class swim lesson in the lido next summer – something that hasn’t taken place in the lido in over 30 years.”

Richard Hunter, managing director from Hobson & Porter said: “The response to the hook a duck competition from local schools has been amazing, with a really high standard of entries. It’s been a brilliant way to mark the competition of this flagship project whilst also educating the school children on the importance of water safety.

“Albert Avenue Pools & Fitness is now a superb addition to Hull’s leisure and fitness estate and Hobson & Porter are incredibly proud to have played a part in realising this bold and exciting vision.”

Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness re-opened to the public in August and with 16,148 people through the doors in the first month.

James Prest, project manager for Hull Esteem, said: “The transformation of Albert Avenue Pools has been a fantastic project to be part of. Working in partnership with the council, our contractors Hobson & Porter and the local supply chain to develop this much loved facility into a vibrant modern leisure centre that the people of Hull can enjoy for years to come has been an absolute pleasure.

“Not only does it see the outdoor lido reopen after many years, but the new gym and fitness studio creates more space for people to use and stay active.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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