Petition Seeks Revitalization of St Andrew’s Dock for Memorial and Tourism

A petition advocating for the enhancement of St Andrew’s Dock in Hull, aiming to establish it as a memorial for individuals who perished in the fishing industry, has garnered over 2,000 signatures. Numerous structures at the former dock site are currently derelict and in a state of disrepair. Advocates for the site’s revitalization have expressed a desire for these buildings to be restored and for the area to be transformed into a tourist destination. Brian Flaxman, a former fisherman and the initiator of the petition, stated his objective is to convert the area into a memorial park “out of respect to our lost fishermen.” He further noted that the location has endured over fifty years of neglect and vandalism. Other individuals have characterized the site as a forgotten area facing the threat of permanent loss. Vic Wheeldon, a former trawlerman and a trustee of the St Andrew’s Dock Fishing Heritage Group, conveyed that the site played a significant role in his formative years. He remarked, “My father was a fisherman, so I was familiar with the dock even before I left school.” In 2023, a memorial dedicated to over 6,000 Hull trawlermen who perished at sea was unveiled at this location. Mr. Wheeldon characterized the site as an appropriate destination for visitors, but also noted that the dilapidated Lord Line building at the dock, which stands as a monument to Hull’s fishing industry, would have been an optimal location for a museum.