BOARDED UP HULL, City of Culture in 2024

[@GENerationXplorers]

Exploring Hull reveals its hidden treasures, and there's no denying that its recognition as the City of Culture has catapulted it onto the global stage, sparking investment and well-deserved acknowledgment. With thoughtful design, the remaining shops in Prospect Centre could rejuvenate the high street vibe. Moreover, envisioning the transformation of Prospect Centre, including the iconic landmarks like the old Debenhams, British Heart Foundation, and Circus Circus, could elevate it to stand alongside the thriving St Stephen’s Centre with the right infusion of investment. It's crucial to maintain the momentum of initiatives geared towards revitalizing the Old Town, while the plans to entice bars and eateries to Princess Quay hold promise for further enhancing Hull's charm and appeal.

[@spudspuddy]

all going to plan, they want everyone shopping online from the sites they control and control the food, dont do as you're told...no food for you then...its called communism

[@Scottie444]

Everyone online shopping is Capitalism not communism.

[@spudspuddy]

@@Scottie444 selling is capitalism not buying

[@Scottie444]

@@spudspuddy inextricably linked they are...amazing.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

The same shop owners/companies have also closed their shops in other cities, not just Hull. In fact next to other cities in the UK, Hull is doing quite well & still has a busy town centre with most of its many shops still open. Hull's decline can be seen in its suburbs mainly.

[@johnmartin6050]

You completely missed the best part of Hull, Old Hull. The High Street with it's William Wilberforce, Hull & East Riding & Street Life Museums. Plus a number of great old pubs, The Old Black Boy & The Olde White Hart, just to name two. Also The Deep aquarium & a walk along the old docks seawall. And the freshly renovated area of Humber Dock Street & the other great arcade, Paragon Arcade. You need to come back !

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you John, 🙏 have to say we were really impressed with the place. Planning to do a “top things to do in hull” video as soon as the Maritime Museum reopens. That, of course, will only be one of a dozen things we highlight. Hull is great and sadly it’s no different to most towns and cities that are falling foul of the Conservatives 14 years of Austerity and cuts to services. Excited for our return and to be able to fully enjoy the place without looking at all the familiar boarded up places that are a blight on most places nowadays!

[@FXWalesAnnaAlf]

Hi Nick another interesting one about town and city centres closing bit by bit. Shame to hear of how Hull was the city of culture and now its sad to hear that shops are closing. Good that the museum is open though a and that there are art galleries to visit and a good price to Park . 🙂 Loved the chattering ducks 🦆😃 ~ Anna 👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

Cheers Anna! It is a shame what’s happening in our towns and cities but we will be covering things to do in hill as we were surprised and had a great day 👍❤️

[@rajuakter6194]

I was born & raised in Hull, unfortunately the mass closure of all these businesses is due to most people buying online, trying to compete with the likes of amazon & other big dogs a like is mission impossible, also these lockdowns didn't help, just made people more house bound & introverted forcing people to shop online, the best bet to get them retail units filled up again would be to just scrap the rates for the time been or at least offer a rate free period of at least 3 years, the trouble is most of these premises or owned by dinosaurs & there perspective is where still in the 70's, the prices of some those retail units are a £1000 per week minus the rates, its all greed mixed with narcissism, to support your local economy try to shop local instead of supporting people overseas who don't care for our country or city.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hit the nail on the head there Raju and summarised the challenges facing the high street retail perfectly. These landlords that won’t negotiate lower rents in fear that it will devalue their properties value are the main problem. They are happy to wait it out and when the inevitable compulsory purchase lands on their desk they will get the full amount for their worthless empty units. Id like to see a system in place where Councils could revalue these properties based on the occupancy % of the surrounding area. So if only half of the units have business in them then there property value should be halved with the power to compulsory purchase it. Given that we are governed by MPs who also are mostly landlords it’s probably something that will never happen!

[@revzombie]

Thank you for showing Hull in a respectable way other than other channels who just rip Hull to bits. Great job 👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

ah thank you so much, have to be honest I found a lot more to love in Hull than not. I’m very excited to return and see the Museum, Art Gallery, Marina, Little Switzerland and sing the praises of the Princess Quay which must be a one stop shop for anyone from Hull. it can be very annoying making these videos sometimes and I’ve put the process on hold for now, boarded up shops are sadly everywhere, retail is changing completely and frankly I don’t think anywhere will be safe. I’m excited for my return to Hull and I promise you this, there won’t be one boarded up shop on my next video from there 👍

[@Thorkenn]

Hello Jill and Nick 👋. It’s really sad but all over the world struggling a lot. Hoping that everything will be on the track step by step 🙏🏻. Thank you 🙏🏻 for sharing. Have a great weekend 👍🙏🏻❤️.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks Kenn let’s hope so 👍❤️

[@wind.del.change]

sacking 90% of the council would save the city a LOT of money.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Absolutely. Think that should be first thing on the agenda at every Council 👍

[@kevinfletcher5987]

Have nice big holidays

[@littlebigman6957]

​@GENerationXplorers why sack them if they have done nothing wrong???

[@Mashemell.Travel]

Nice tour in Hull, there are so many interesting historic and modern building to visit 👍61

[@GENerationXplorers]

👍 cheers

[@PaulD-Australia]

Hi Nick and Jill. So sad to see cities around the world, with shops closed and boarded up. It's exactly the same here in Australia, and it doesn't look like improving anytime soon. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks Paul yeah it’s sad but also interesting to see how different countries are dealing with it! hope you are having a nice weekend 👍❤️

[@heatherprior2240]

Near Hull is a seaside town called Hornsea, it has a lovely retail park called Hornsea freeport. Sadly due to high business rates it's almost completely deserted, yet the place is really nice. It's a shame that it's going down the pan.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Aww what a shame sounds nice! We do hope to re visit Hornsea at some point we did a video in the past as we drove there for the award winning fish and chips 👍 will be sure to check out the free port if we return x

[@myname7284]

Hornsea freeport has never sold anything but tat utter old fogie trash pottery and mobility products over priced coffee and scones no wonder its going its rubbish. Come on unless your 70s and bored you wouldn't go there. Hornsea itself it boring tbh even the market gone. As for Hull where im from the council has tore down all its heritage or left it to ruin like lord line such a old town with lovely old sights gone . the council wont even open the public toilets so you have to piss in doorways. they give invaders a hotel but there own have to be sheltering in shop doors. places like York keep there attractions to entice the tourists Hull demolish them even filled in the docks.

[@heatherprior2240]

@@myname7284 Not all places appeal to everyone, freeport sold a lot more than you mention. It had Clinton's cards, 2 nice eating places, The works, a handbag shop, a suitcase and handbag shop. It had Thorntons, clarks shoes, it still has Pavers shoes. A really nice gift shop, the name I can't remember. There were a lot of other shops, but they left a long time ago, so I can't remember what they were. The underground loos in Hull were shut down to illegal going ons in them. The old town is still a great place to visit, Hull itself is, I think a great place to live, I have lived up here for 20 years, it has a lot of great pubs, restaurants, the marina is a real nice area. And the biking roads in the surrounding countryside... Fantastic.

[@myname7284]

@@heatherprior2240 Haha sounds very appealing . thanks for backing me up Clarkes Clintons a suitcase and handbag shop wow very interesting for the locals who are above 60 usually but how will that entice new customers . Marina is a fine example of what hull isnt toffs pubs close so they open wine bars ffs

[@GENerationXplorers]

Now I have to check out Hornsea Freeport. You know that right?

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Hi Nick and Jill! I'm glad to hear that the city's arts and culture scene is thriving. The arts are so important. However, it was very sad to see the devastating impact on the retail sector. The High Street looked like a ghost town. I really miss Debenhams, in particular. Nice to see that St. Stephens was doing well. Great to see good old HMV has managed to survive thanks to a takeover. The Arcade looked like a very attractive area to shop. Cool street art. Thanks for this interesting and well-researched video. Best wishes to you both ~ Julie & Lucy 😊😊

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi Julie and Lucy yes we were blown away with the architecture and free museums and galleries and you could really see why it was a city of culture but like all the towns or most towns in the UK something needs to be done with all these empty spaces! Thanks for your great comment have a super weekend 👍❤️

[@benjamindavis-rice1548]

I’ve lived in hull all my life. I’m 35 now and it’s honestly heartbreaking. I remember how busy and thriving it used to be all weekend, there’s just no vision from the council to sort the issue out. St. Stephen’s is a great example, there where plans to rejuvenate one of the other high streets by putting a glass roof over it etc, instead all it’s done is pull businesses away so the footfall into the wider area has been greatly reduced.

[@GENerationXplorers]

@@benjamindavis-rice1548 yeah, I’m sorry Ben, same most places, my town too, it seems there is no escaping it now. Councils have to take the bulk of the blame though. Continuing to build shopping centres and expecting the older ones to continue to do well. It’s bonkers. I remember Hull from the Late 00’s, it was the place to go, wall to wall rammed with busy bars and clubs and in the daytime all the shops were open. And yet still even though towns and cities like ours are being turned into what looks like to me third world countries, there is nobody in Parliament actively challenging it.

[@AishusCraftyKidsClub]

Wow. Incredible 😍 Initially I felt like 360 degree views. Captured so good

[@GENerationXplorers]

Glad you liked it! have fun 👍❤️

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Hello Nick and Jill, it is so sad that all of these shops are closing. Loved Wilko"s and Debenhams. Nice that St Stephens full of the shops that werre closed on the high street. The Kingston Tavern looked as if it had been a lovely pub. Loved the ceiling in the vintage arcade. Ha ha loved the ducks ha ha x have you been talking to Adzey ? Thank you for sharing, have a lovely weekend x Julie and Tony x

[@GENerationXplorers]

🤣😂 we couldn’t believe it when we saw Adzey talking to the ducks knowing we were doing the same in our video we have clearly known each other for quite some time so must be in sink 😂 it is sad but seems it is happening the world over so will be interesting learning how other countries are dealing with it! hope you are having a nice weekend 👍❤️

[@owenmcgheeandbdawg]

I wish I'd seen some of the places you showed. Last time I was in Hull I only saw the railway station, two pubs and Primark. Hope I see more wonderful stuff like this soon ❤️

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi Mr Brilltastic yeah other than all the closed shops there is a lot to see and do hope you are having a great weekend 👍❤️

[@wendingourway]

Someone had suggested here that as long as the properties are still owned and property taxes being paid, local governments are shying away from stepping in and doing anything as it may mean a lose of income for them. Just seems like some sort of re-use of spaces would take priority though. But maybe in a couple of years things will begin a great turnaround all over...and maybe that is what is being held out and waiting for...better days ahead. Indeed, isn't it an amazing feeling walking in to a shop and seeing all those vinyl records...sure brings back a lot of memories!! Keep up the great explores!!

[@GENerationXplorers]

Cheers Bruce we’ll see 🤞 have a great weekend ❤️

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

'Moved, as if by design'. I think you hit the nail on the head. Are these high rates designed to squeeze shops into designated areas. I think you are right. Either make them residential or demolish and make green spaces. Sad to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you Chris, I really hope it’s by design, it shows a method in the madness and a foresight that a lot of other Councils should adopt. Genuinely hope they get further investment for those massive empty blocks! hope your having a great weekend. Nick

[@andyadventures2841]

Great work on the presenting Nick .. I have only ever been to Hull once and that was just to visit the Deep aquarium 🐠 which I thought was very good they showcased a lot of great conservation projects they have been involved with around the world 🐢 🦈

[@GENerationXplorers]

Yeah other than all the closed unit’s Hull impressed us so we will be returning for a different kind of video! cheers Andy hope you are having a great weekend 👍❤️

[@HereToCheers]

Great exploration of Hull's urban landscape! Nick & Jill, you not only highlights the closed shops and vacant units but also celebrates the vibrancy and potential of this city. It's inspiring to see initiatives like the art initiatives utilizing abandoned spaces. This is the same story for the trendy neighborhoods of New York. The economy changes and industry falls, over time artists can afford to move in and then it becomes trendy... and the artist can't afford to be there anymore but the area lives on thanks to them. Let's hope for continued efforts and innovative solutions to breathe new life into Hull's High Street. Kudos to you guys for shedding light on both the challenges and the promise of the area. Keep up the great work! 🌟

[@GENerationXplorers]

wow that’s interesting re New York! Another great comment! Thanks for your kindness have a lovely weekend 👍❤️

[@vedrana0127]

The city is beautiful with its unique architecture. I hope things will get better in the future.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thankyou 🙏 it’s definitely a place of historical importance and interest, it deserves further funding beyond the 200 million it received during its time as City of Culture.

[@no_soy_rubio]

I visited Hull a few years ago and found it a bit of a mixed bag, as you highlighted, a lot of boarded up/empty areas but also lots of historic buildings and nice waterfront. £2 parking and free attractions is a winner! Great place for the outro with the Humber Bridge in the background! If you go back to vlog there I'd recommend checking out the Lord Line Building which has been derelict for decades. Great content guys and I see this video getting lots of views! ❤

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you so much Matt. really didn’t know what to expect with Hull as I’ve only ever visited a half dozen times decades ago long before the current retail crisis. I remember seeing it on the telly every day though during 2017, they had so much going on to celebrate the City of Culture award, was impressive to see. think they spent the 200 million wisely but they need at least that again to completely reimagine vast empty retail spaces.

[@calatoruldac]

Interesting your video presentation! Congratulations for your work! Have a beautiful weekend! ❤

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you! You too Dac 👍

[@inbetween-days]

Hi guys an interesting video. Certainly makes you think. At least St Stephens was a success. We have only been to Hull once for a gig which was great but didn't have chance to look around the city. The vintage arcade was amazing reminds us of the one in Cardiff. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great weekend Best wishes Dave and Dawn ❤️

[@GENerationXplorers]

Cheers guys hope you have had a lovely Saturday, enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍❤️

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Honestly Princes Quay used to be utterly bustling The Old Town is amazing Hull is honestly a fantastic place with amazing people I really loved the place

[@GENerationXplorers]

yeah its converted me Jimmy. Really think that Princess Quay is deliberately trying to kick out retail units to make way for bars and restaurants. what an incredible place that will be to visit at night time! 👍

[@judyread7226]

Online shopping, cheaper rents and easier parking on the outskirts have contributed to the demise of the city centre. Hull needs to become like cities in mainland Europe and develop the centre by turning empty units into coffee bars, micro breweries and 'boutique shops'. It has begun in Humber Street, lets hope it continues.

[@GENerationXplorers]

that would be amazing Judy. I really hope and dream that this would become a reality and that Brits would come out and support that vibe in their droves. like you say it really works on the mainland. Ive just had two recent trips to Spain and Italy and they are not being affected by the retail decline that we are seeing.

[@SuperSimon62]

Hi guys anothergreat hard hitting vlog .iv always liked hull stayed there alot on a away day watching brighton playing hull i always made a weekend of it

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you Simon, we really enjoyed our visit, we’ll be going back to film a touristy video of the place soon! hope your having an amazing week 👍

[@aidengillag]

Such a sad watch! As you say its like most of our high streets that are almost purposely being neglected across the UK... BUT i see so much potential watching this. So many of those buildings would be perfect as residential space, more eateries and leisure, plus more independent retail spaces. I also think the likes of the UKs biggest money makers, the likes of Tesco etc, could be part of the revival of getting some of these places revived. It would in turn help them out. Build it and they will come type of thing.

[@GENerationXplorers]

There is some more good news on the horizon although I’ve yet to see a Council enforce it, there is a Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 which came into force at the very end of last year. It’s highly controversial and there is already an army of lawyers ready to support and commercial landlord that is served with one. Councils now have powers to force commercial landlords to rent out their properties at below than market rate if there units have stood still for more than 12 months. If they fail to keep their property up to rentable spec, fail to occupy it meaningfully then the Council now has the power to compulsory purchase it at below market value. I’m dying to see Councils running with this, it will mark a huge change in the retail decline we have been seeing.

[@aidengillag]

​@@GENerationXplorerssounds a very promising move. Just need councils to follow through on it everywhere possible now. 🙏

[@SetForAdventures]

Such a shame the city centre is so forgotten 😢 Agree time to repurpose these place Nick ( the arcade was most impressive) Interesting watch ATB Simon

[@GENerationXplorers]

was a lovely arcade that Simon, really hidden away too, from the street you could easily walk by it. I do plan on returning to film a touristy video of the place and that arcade will get top billing! 👍

[@WeGoPlacesTours]

It’s makes me sad to see how things are closed. Once a thriving place full of memories are vacant and boarded up. It’s a lovely looking town! Thanks for putting such a effort to make people aware. 👍😊🇨🇦

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks Christine we will be returning to hull for a different type of video! have a good week 👍❤️

[@lallydoo24]

Princess Quay used to be vibrant in the 90's. It was a place to meet up with your friends with a mixture of high Street shops and independent shops. it didn't matter what your tastes were you could get trendy, vintage and grunge clothes all in the one building. Loved that you got to visit Hepworth Arcade

[@Walkinginindia2]

Hello Nick and Jill 👋 Thanks for showing 😊

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@GHExploration]

Not half as bad as it looks here, there's more happening now than ever before, quite literally.

[@GENerationXplorers]

there definitely seems to be some positive pockets in Hull. really hope it continues to get funding now the City of Culture has come and gone.

[@rfcalm]

You can never change the people though. They look sad, deprived and hopeless. If you’ve lived in other big standard places in the country, you’d know.

[@JauneMacReady]

💯 Very interesting. I've been to Hull a couple of times but never spent long exploring. All the best 😃👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

Cheers Jaune have a great weekend 👍❤️

[@jamesbarlow8779]

The thing with hull is thst they built st Stephens in 2007 and it took business away from princes Quay, whitefriargate and the rest of hull. It just wasn't needed.

[@GENerationXplorers]

it does seem the focus is on St Stephens. especially with Tescos offer of two hours free parking if you spend £5 in store. the energy, cleanliness and security of that shopping centre is hard to fault, it must have really hurt the shops on the high street.

[@julesmarkham8962]

I absolutely love going into Hull, the Transport Museum is one of my favourite places to go which is in the Old Town, and then the Museum with the Woolley Mammoth is amazing, and as you said Mark, ALL FREE. You also have The Deep, just so much to see and do to be honest.👍🏼Having the train station also gives you access to places like York, Scarborough Pickering, Whitby all within a short train journey. So many positive things about Hull but unfortunately it seems as though only the negative side gets promoted .

[@GENerationXplorers]

it really impressed me Jules. you could easily go, stick to the St Stephen’s if you wanted retail and be perfectly happy with that. beyond that Hull has culture, arts, museums, galleries, a LOT to love there, I bet most towns and cities want to be like Hull.

[@russellfamilyrambles]

Great video guys there are 3 other museums which are free and the William Wilberforce has had a big refit. Got a soft spot for Hull

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi there yeah we were actually really impressed and will be revisiting for a different kind of video! hope you are all well have a great weekend 👍❤️

[@dayadventureswithgasper]

So sad to see Hull all boarded up. So many empty shops. I am seeing this also in some of the big cities in the US. Such a beautiful historic city. Queen Victoria square looked amazing. Thanks for showing us around and all the information.

[@GENerationXplorers]

So sad isn’t it! cheers Gasper 👍❤️

[@mandyosgerby7573]

I was born and raised in Hull. . love it . . This is happening everywhere closure is imminent . Sign of the future i feel 🤔

[@GENerationXplorers]

It does seem inevitable right now Mandy. If a place like Hull that has been in the spotlight for so long is feeling it then we are all doomed. It’s bizarre to me that this is not a constant topic in the news. Given the lack of housing Labour want to destroy our green belts when there is plentiful housing to be repurposed in our derelict and vacant grey jungle..

[@mandyosgerby7573]

100% there are things that can be done to combat some of the problems but but seems like such a massive hill to climb i mean when they taking winter payments anyway from pensioners at Christmas what are they doing with that money doubt it will put towards anything to improve the city of hull

[@pagrant]

I been to Hull many times, as my sister, brother in law and my niece live up there. we also went with school years ago to see the Humber Bridge

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi there we too remember going on school trips to the Humber bridge there is still plenty to see and do! have a great weekend 👍

[@DickieBird888]

Next time you visit Hull.. Come to Wilberforce House and the Transport Museum...think its still free also. Lovely old part of the city as well.

[@DickieBird888]

Oh I forgot to mention "the Deep" as well..

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you Andrew. I’m actually very much looking forward to our revisit to the place. Lots more positives than negatives.

[@JoshuaFawcett]

5:14 The prospect shopping centre had an upstairs accessible via escalator and a lift, there were several eateries, all of which seemed to close during the peak of covid, but even before then it was desolate up there.

[@GENerationXplorers]

thanks for that Joshua, I was wondering if there was an upstairs to that shopping centre. out of the three shopping centres that one was very depressing, hopefully they can move those remaining shops onto the high street and close it down for good.

[@SwissVista2020]

Absolutely wonderful town. Amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Lot’s of love from Switzerland ❤❤

[@GENerationXplorers]

It is a great city just a shame like everywhere there are so many empty units! Have a good day 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I can't believe how many years some of these places have been empty! And Debenhams is sad to see go 😩

[@GENerationXplorers]

I don’t think anything would be better under Labour and as a pre party-gate conservative I’m done with both of those parties. all of this has happened under Conservative Austerity Rule where we spend billions abroad and not a penny here, the same would be true or worse of Labour. its time for real change and real investment otherwise we will become a third world laughing stock.

[@EpicAdventureCouple]

Wow it's amazing how malls have done this. Amazing city of culture. People move on from those experiences But we need to keep some old world charm. Thanks for the tour. Have a great week .

[@GENerationXplorers]

Yes, you are right cheers guys 👍❤️

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

The city at it center has some beautiful buildings! What a shame to see so many places closed. I am someone who enjoys shopping in person, so it's sad to see it.

[@GENerationXplorers]

It really is but yes we were impressed with hull some gorgeous buildings 👍❤️

[@PhilipOlsen11]

How blooming depressing 🥺 Hull has such beautiful buildings, yet is like a ghost town. Shame that tavern has been closed for 20 years 😳. On a positive note that Victorian arcade was a bonus. Loved it once again 👍❤️

[@GENerationXplorers]

it’s crazy how long these places have been empty for. we are all trying to find answers, who is responsible? Why? but a tudor style pub closed for twenty years i cant even blame the Conservatives Austerity Policy on that one!

[@keithwaites9991]

There's a park in Hull that has a small memorial to Mick Ronson, great guitarist, pianist and Arranger from the early 70s to his untimely death in 1993. Check him out.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Will definitely check him out next time we are about cheers for letting us know 👍

[@OutandaboutwithAndy]

I visited Hull back in 1990 for a Uni interview. It was a pretty grim place back then. From watching this video and Steve's visit (A tramp in the hills) I can see there is plenty to see and do in Hull. What happens to the high street is something that needs to be addressed at a national level with some legislation for government/councils to take back properties and repurpose areas. Another good video Nick.

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you Andy. I think the concern with Hull is that after gaining 200 million of investment during its reign as the City of Culture it may now be overlooked for further investment. I hope not. but the problem with our working class towns and cities is real and I wonder is anyone in Parliament even talking about it? when they go back to their homes in their affluent little market towns or cosy villages are they concerned what life is like for the rest of us?

[@OutandaboutwithAndy]

@GENerationXplorers The home counties will always be favoured with the Tories in power. The failure of truely decent investment in the North since the fall of the 'red wall' has shown their promises to be as non-existent as their morals.

[@GENerationXplorers]

@OutandaboutwithAndy very true and whilst we always examine the economic, social and technological reasons for our high street failing what about the Political? This has all happened under the 14 years of Tory rule, interestingly 1 in 3 Tory MPs are also landlords and its landlords that refuse to sell or rent their properties out at anything less than what they perceive to be Market value.

[@scootladychicago]

this gives a lot to think about. we have a lot of empty retail here too and there's a bit of grant money too. good to see there's some spots still doing well. there are some beautiful buildings, and there seem to be a lot of shopping centers still. and you know i love street art! is "high street" what is often named "main street" in small towns here in the us? or is it the city center? as it didn't seem like a single street, but an area. did hull stop being the city of culture because of the pandemic? why is it coventry now? or am i completely misunderstanding "city of culture?" apparently i'm a curious lady today. 😬 have a great weekend jill & nick! 🛴❤

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi Anne yes Coventry is currently our city of culture and Bradford is next in line as of 2025! it’s a 3 yearly thing which gets voted on, usually areas that need help! yes a high street is referred to as Main Street in 🇺🇸 thank you for another fabulous comment! hope you are having a nice weekend 👍❤️

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Amazing museums/art galleries and amazing they are free as well, shame you were not allowed to film inside but what a depressing contrast the shopping was in the city centre. The world is changing and (imo) not for the better but fair play to Saint Stephens they must be doing something right. You could not be robbed for a cinema seat mind, something we enjoy doing, especially on am afternoon when it is nice and quiet. I remember being so excited when I was a kid, getting on the bus to Darlington with my pay burning a hole in my pocket, shopping for records, books and clothes but just like most other people I do all my shopping on Amazon now, guess I am part of the problem. Wow £8 to park all week in the city centre, you cannot say fairer than that and the Humber Bridge is worth a visit just to dive over and back, it looks amazing, cheers Alan

[@GENerationXplorers]

so much has changed hasnt it? and not for the better. ive not heard of £4.99 seats in a cinema, for over three decades, i will be back to that Vue cinema soon. ive always been on the fence about Hull, but as sorry as its high street was I found a lot to love. the museums, the art gallery, St Stephen’s (a success story) and £2 for 24 hours parking slap bang in the city centre. it might very well be my new favourite place! ah the record shops, my favourite haunt as a child, teenager and young adult. it was really nice to see HMV again and learn that the latest buyer has managed to save 120 stores worldwide. apparently the crazy GEN Zs like records! 😱 who would ever guess that!

[@nigelcass8972]

Just visited on Friday evening; Symptomatic of decaying infrastructure across UK. Mass immigration. ganja smells; crackheads; spice boys spasming about on benches. Great old town and pubs where the locals were hanging on to the remains of their culture. Very sad to see... RIP Hull

[@GENerationXplorers]

its a real shame isn’t it Nigel? Sadly it could be any working class town or city across the entire UK now including mine.

[@rfcalm]

@@GENerationXplorersgreat point

[@2twinsters]

Thanks for sharing this - really interesting! The situation is not unlike my hometown of Newport South Wales which was once thriving. Strangely enough Cwmbran just up the road is doing really well. It looks like one one the problems in Hull is too many shopping centres. Really enjoyed it thank you for sharing. Mike, Elaine, Samuel and Thomas 😎😍👬

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks guys yeah it appears it’s happening in most places but some still thriving we may get to the bottom of this in a future video have a great week ahead 👍❤️

[@OSMOneStepMore]

Nice presentation of the city of Culture in 2024. I also like the narration. 👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@PostcardAndAPint]

It's so sad. Wow even charities are unable to keep units open and they lag a fraction of the price of retail. So many of these spaces could be repurposed. I saw a few units there that would have made good dance studios, but no small business would ever be able to afford the rental or business rates. I thought if you guys at the weekend. I went to Ellsmere Port!! I'll say no more, but there's material there for you! That old arcade is gorgeous. Great street art - There's a lot in Hull! Great job of showing that. Cheers 🍻

[@GENerationXplorers]

ooo thanks guys will ‘Check it out’ 👍🤣 we see so much potential with what can be done with these empty units but you are right the prices and charges are all out of whack ! At one point Jill said this all needs flooring and making into a lovely green space for people to enjoy 👍 have a lovely weekend guys ❤️

[@DCOutdoors]

Nick, thanks for the tour. It's sad to see so many places boarded up and forgotten. What a waste.

[@GENerationXplorers]

It is but appears to be happing in a lot of places around the world! 👍

[@dinglehopper85]

There are a few closed shops in the town, that I live in, but that's nothing compared to the amount of closed shops in your video. Even though I'm watching the video, it's still hard to believe, that this is real. It's so sad to see, that so many shops have been closed and some of them for a very long time. Wow, the street art looks amazing, it's so colourful. I hope you'll have a great weekend.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi Thomas yeah it’s a shame seems to be happening the world over! 🙁👍

[@pagrant]

I remember when me and my parents went to Cancun, Mexico in 2009 to a shopping centre had a number of shops, 2011 we went back to Cancun for a holiday same shopping centre a lot of close shops . I remember when Princes Quay, Hull had a number of shops in. I like visiting Hull minster, but have never been to the Deep, school never took us

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi there Pagrant, that’s super interesting re cancun in Mexico we are finding out that it is happening the world over some countries seem to be dealing with it better than others but it has to be down to how we are changing our patterns and evolving as a human race! Hopefully someone will come up with a good idea and eventually we will all follow suit! We will be revisiting Hull to do a different kind of video and show what attractions there are! Thanks for your ongoing support of our channel 👍 stay awesome and enjoy the rest of the weekend ❤️

[@aliwannigerry2060]

Like 160, Awesome footage capturing the beautiful alluring scenery, thanks for sharing and bringing us to this wonderful relaxing place and stay safe always.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks you too! 👍

[@jahanaralaiju3019]

wow excellent sharing. ❤️💚💙👌👍👌👍👌💚💙

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you so much 🙏

[@Charlie.93]

Bro you should gone to the old town and marina, its nicest place, humberstreet is beaut. :)

[@GENerationXplorers]

Really nice to hear from you Charlie and it’s really refreshing to get feedback from positive locals. We have another series “top five budget things to do in a place”, we were genuinely so in love with Hull and everyone mentions the Marina we are coming back to film Hull in all its rightful glory. Marina and Humber street will get top billing..

[@Charlie.93]

@GENerationXplorers it was a great well informed video, look forward to your next visit:) keep up the good work 👏

[@GENerationXplorers]

@Charlie.93 ah thank you Charlie, im glad you recognised that. We are dying to go back and show off all the positive things Hull has to offer, the museum reopens in May, we will be there and we will cover all the amazing things Hull has to offer, its all about drawing attention to great places and securing additional funding for me. There is no fame, no toothless estate idiots, no illiterate locals. hull is first class and will always be so.

[@GENerationXplorers]

@@Charlie.93 ah thank you Charlie, that is really reassuring, had a run in (in a very tiny minority) with a local that hit me with a tirade of bad comments which was a bit off-putting. You’ve come at the exact moment to re energise us with how magnificent Hull and its people truly are. Excited about returning, we would love our town to have so much going for it as Hull. But of course there is plenty more that needs to be done. If this, or other videos highlights this then my one and only true hope is that you get more funding from Government to expedite change.

[@Charlie.93]

@GENerationXplorers unfortunately you can't please everyone, haters gonna hate, I feel sorry for people with such negative emotions, life's too short, all the best

[@ArcticExploring]

Sad to see all those places that have been closed. So I hope it will change in future.

[@GENerationXplorers]

I just hope enough people make these type of videos that eventually it embarrasses the MPs and instead of focusing on spending billions overseas they spend some here to save our towns and cities.

[@TravelingTramps]

Happening all over the US too, Nick and Jill. Only a few cities have avoided it. The Kingston Tavern looked beautiful and it seems someone should be able to give it a go. Some nice museums and venues. With some right ideas and not heavy regulation and tax burden working against it, it should be able to rebound! Loved the street art and the 🦆🦆🦆too! Thought provoking video.

[@ThePhilpunk]

Love this video ,as I do all of these ,don’t think people realise amount work you both put in . Here is my take ,sorry it’s long. First it started with the rise of the supermarket,then covid ,then Putin . But what alot are forgetting is human nature ,I used to live in a small village ,had lovely local shop and bus 🚌 to town ,all gone why?because nobody bothered 😕 to use them!! Like communism it would never work ,because someone would always want more than the other !.I used to hate Margret thatcher,and go help the miners ,and the fact she sold all the council house 🏡 stock,is the reason of many of londons decline.but the biggest reason is mp s now days in this cancel culture we live in aka like my fav author ✍️ George Orwell,our society is Orwellian now =1984 . I never thought I say this ,we need people like thatcher Who actually care with a passion about this country .but anyone with a backbone is cancelled,you just have to look 👀 at the scenes in parliament we’re MPs too scared 😱 to vote 🗳️. When I am well if I can ,I be selling my house 🏡 and moving to France 🇫🇷,as sadly with people like kier starmer who went against the public vote ,are leader of labour ??. Brexit the MPs lied 🤥,show me one mp that tells the truth ?? Sorry for long comment,love the fact you do these videos,always a fan phil ps forgot to add plus the rise of Amazon.

[@GENerationXplorers]

me and you both Phil. growing up under Thatchers regime was a nightmare but have we had anyone better since? sadly not. France is a great place to retreat to. when the energy crisis started with the War in Ukraine Macron wasted no time and re nationalised French Power saving millions of businesses from going bust in the mean time. it’s that sort of forward and decisive thinking we need here in the UK. not a chance. I think it’s time we all moved to France. much love to you and Debs xx

[@ThePhilpunk]

You both will always be welcome at my house in France 🇫🇷,that’s if I’m not brown bread before then . Your both diamonds phil

[@GENerationXplorers]

@ThePhilpunk ah Phil, thank you so much 🙏 long life, love and happiness, let’s enjoy every second xx

[@richrichie378]

Online shopping, smart phones and retail apps, are available for every single store that exists. You can sit watching the television at home and spend an hour browsing hundreds of items from dozens of retailers, what would have taken two full weekends to shop for in the high street. No city in the UK can compete with that. I think it needs niche or specialist shops that don't sell online.

[@GENerationXplorers]

your absolutely right. there is no competing with the convenience of shopping online from your armchair and having the benefit of shopping for the very best price too. Id like to think that every town and city could fill up a lot of those empty units if they filled them with niche/specialist shops. some of these retail units are just way too big for independents to fill. the likes of the banks and shops leaving the high street are leaving massive retail units empty that nobody will ever fill. even the smallest of units come with some of the highest rents and rates in all of Europe. unless your shop is a front for something, like many of the “cash only” type of shops that are appearing it seems those units will remain empty.

[@openmindedwonderer]

It really is so sad what is happening to our big cities. Such a shame but does sound like Hull has a few interesting ideas. Hopefully they are more than ideas and they do infact do something.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Yeah lots hope so! it’s such a shame watching our towns and cities die! something needs to be done! hope you are having a nice weekend 👍❤️

[@karloschaos]

I used to nick records from the recotd bit of Debs many yers ago - they left rhe album in the sleeve - Circus Circus was a last resort on a night out in town if you weren't a trendy or a casual - I wasa hippy.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Ah fond memories Kris, the fact that you say Circus Circus was a last resort just makes me feel a bit of your upbringing and made me feel a lot closer to a life brought up in Hull, thank you so much for that. Done my own bit of pinching growing up, obvs from the local sweety shop, right of passage, one time a real crime of passion, a rebel trooper out of a Star Wars packet from a toy shop (i was desperate to have that figure) and probably my worst a bag of pine nuts when I fell on hard times and wanted to still make a penne paseana. Couldn’t justify the cost of the pine nuts! Hopefully all of these are out of the statues of limitation for getting prosecuted on! 😂

[@Thrombeldinbar]

Hull needs to tap into its rich fishing heritage and expand ‘The Deep’s design aesthetic across the city!! Make it a place to visit 👍 and…. it needs a huge retro arcade like the Arcade Club in Leeds!! 🍻

[@GENerationXplorers]

I’m huge on retro arcades, I haven’t visited the one in Leeds. I do have two full size cabinets of my own. I did notice a retro arcade in the basement of Princes Quay but it wasn’t open on the day of my visit. the idea to expand on the heritage is top notch 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Interesting that St Stephens mall is doing so well. Good for them 👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

was really happy in there. Jill filming undercover got collared not me. I was waving the camera around and Jill was pretending to not be with me grabbing footage. out of the two of us, she got stopped! doh

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@GENerationXplorers that's fascinating! What was she filming on?

[@LuckyKatiKRexperiences]

Very nice video my friends Nick and Jill , beautiful place, how sad it is abandoned have a great week 😃

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you! You too! ❤️

[@ss-sh6nb]

Hull city centre has so much potential but unfortunately the shops are empty due to council putting up the rent on the the shops people could just not afford them but with the 20 million pounds investment in queens gardens hopefully this will help attract more visitors and business.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Certainly will be better for those that work or visit the City Centre!

[@MattandBecExplores-lt9vf]

This was really interesting to see. I've never been to Hull. Sad to see so many places abandoned. 😊👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

yeah it’s sad but other than these hill is a lovely city ❤️👍

[@paulfitzpatrick3090]

I was a student at Hull University late 70s early 80s and l now live in Singapore. In Singapore nearly all our shops are in giant malls. We also have huge food courts that you rarely see in Europe. Perhaps this is something that could work in Hull.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Well done on your move to Singapore Paul, it must be an amazing place to live. the indoor malls should be hugely popular in the UK, especially given the amount of rainfall we have!

[@paulfitzpatrick3090]

@GENerationXplorers yes but the climate is horrid. Humid. Miss the British climate and Hull.

[@davidadams2823]

Brilliant guys , thanks for doing the content...loved it ,,, and I am also hopeful for Hull at some point in the future , but I'm not holding my breath ,,, not with these saps called politicians LOL 🤣. , or basically local authority LOL 🤣. Stay safe and stay sound 👍😎✌️🦈.

[@GENerationXplorers]

your right David, these Politicians don’t give two hoots about our towns and cities. when they are not lording it up in Parliament they are kicking back in their cosy villages or affluent market towns. its one UK for them and another for the rest of us.

[@OthmarsVlog]

amazing, well done and thumbs up 👍💥🎈

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thank you! Cheers! 👍

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Makes me a little sad! I lived in Hull in the 90’s, culturally it was amazing. It was riddled with amazing night clubs Room The Welly Spiders Various live music venues Hull truck cinema Art and culture was valued I loved the spirt of the place Regarding retail I couldn’t believe what had become of The Princes Quay shopping centre

[@GENerationXplorers]

I think the last time I visited was 2010 and there was no hint of retail struggling and like you say come tea time the bars and clubs were all ramping up for what would be a rammed night. it was a very exciting place to be. I hope they can recapture some of that. that being said I’d say out of all the places I’ve covered Hull is faring the best plus it’s made me a huge fan. already planning an overnight stay there to take in all the sights at leisure and I’ll be back to film a more “touristy” top things to do in Hull video as there is just so much choice there. Well done Hull 👍

[@erikthenorviking8251]

Almost opposite HMV is "The Wrecking Ball" - music shop, bookshop, record/CD shop, cafe, venue upstairs. Brilliant.

[@GENerationXplorers]

missed that one Erik, tbh I was so excited to see HMV still trading, one of my all time favourite shops and haven’t seen one open in about a decade!

[@PinnedonPlaces]

Another excellent Boarded up video Nick. Always so sad to see towns and cities like this in such a bad state. Unfortunately it's now happening across the country and every city is like this. Would be more useful to have the shops used for good instead of laying their derelict and destroyed, it paints an awful picture for those wanting to spend their hard earned money there and why would they? Thank you though Nick, for sharing and educating us! xx

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks Alessa it appears it’s happening all over the world so it must be part of how our habits as a human race change as we evolve but it’s interesting that there are still towns that are thriving so think we need to look into why that is (something we may cover in the future 😉) Nick takes these topics coz I don’t do politics and can’t keep it serious 🤣 I play role of research team and camera guy) hope your week is off to a good star ❤️ Jill x

[@Mrtribru69]

i just traveled to Hull last week from Belgium. It is not that bad. Saw few abandoned buildings like in many parts of Europe post covid. Went to see the Fine arts museum.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Welcome to Hull! have to say it has a lot going for it. we just live up the road in Scarborough which has just as many problems in the town centre as everywhere else. id be perfectly happy living in Hull! 👍

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Hull City Centre, City of Culture. We must wake up to the fact that the city centre is evolving, changing and morphing into decline. People buy on line, Amazon delivers on the same day, no need to mix with annoying JBP. I predict in 30 years time (I’ll be 105), that there will be very few shopping centres around. Companies can’t afford the huge rents and financial outlay to pay staff etc. The massive building once occupied by Debenhams in my city centre is now a Range store (can’t see them lasting here). God bless St Stephen’s, the patron St of the shopping mail. Great under cover filming. Night time economy? JBP simply want to stay indoors on a cold wet rainy night, not head out to a bloody shopping centre. Great graffiti on the walls and I was so glad to see a large Costa outlet, what more do you need?

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you Mike, your absolutely right, we’ve lost our cultural identity, we’ve lost the need to visit a place and socialise. what you have going on with the CCC is amazing, it’s what we desperately need to hold onto. our high streets are meeting places, but they are vanishing before our very eyes. I might be wrong but this feels a very American and British Phenomenon, either mainland Europe is twenty years behind us or they have swerved this retail decline completely. it really irks me that we spend billions on far off countries when a fraction of that could save our working class towns and cities. my end goal here will be to shame our MPs and our PM and out them from there “safe” affluent middle class market towns and villages. here on in starts a series that will leave the argument at the PMs and the MPs doorstep. “they don’t care” what happens in our towns and cities and each of the coming weeks i will lead clearly up to that… spend the money here and look after the constituencies you are supposed to be caring for.

[@billygoatfilms7531]

@@GENerationXplorers You’ve certainly got my vote and support. 👍

[@stevenvamplew7145]

you had the fishing destroyed by our govt and the ferries given away to foreign crews ,the lads who worked on these would spend money in hull.these foreigners send the money back to their own countries. bad mistake britain

[@GENerationXplorers]

Very good point Steven, that is a huge mistake and has undoubtedly contributed to the decline we are sadly seeing.

[@stevescet]

A fair review, alot you didn't see or show so maybe a next time , welcome to Hull 😊

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thankyou so much Steve. Had a fantastic day I have to say, im sorry we showed all the closed buildings and I’m so excited to return. plan on staying over soon and enjoying the many great things Hull has to offer and beyond that we will be making a tourism video for Hull and I can promise you this the place will be shining!

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

How sad to see so many shops empty. Where are people shopping? Are they purchasing things on line? How do they get more retailers to open up new stores? HMV great news helping the community out! 15:03 stunning Victorian shopping arcade. I think the Ducks got it right, "we are buying everything online!". Great Vlog Nicholas. Thank you for taking us along. Have a great week.

[@GENerationXplorers]

cheers Joseph and Peter it’s sad but other than these closed unit Hull is a great city and we hope to return to do a different kind of video 👍❤️

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Look forward to them Nicholas@@GENerationXplorers

[@lifesahobby]

Great views , great energy

[@GENerationXplorers]

really appreciate that Thankyou 🙏

[@ScotlandFarAndNear]

This is sad that outskirts shopping malls sucked life from city centers. I wonder if it will be possible to reverse this trend.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Would be nice to think so but probably not and how long before the malls are stood empty? 👍

[@mrdeafa25]

I'm not sure what your point is. Hull has dozens of empty shops and the city centre is a dead duck but so is every city centre in the country. You are not coming up with any incisive revelations here. You would have been better off taking a look at the Levelling-Up Fund that is being massively misused in Hull City Centre. Basically , rich investors are buying up the best properties at a low price then drawing up schemes to enhance or re-develop them with the aid of immense cash grants from the fund. All they have to do is produce quotes for the work and the council chips in half the dough. When you analyse the costings it starts to look very dodgy to say the least. Besides, is that what the Levelling-Up Fund is really supposed to be for? We were under the impression it was going to bring us better transport and infrastructure in line with more prosperous parts of the country. Silly us.

[@GENerationXplorers]

now thats a great comment, thankyou. 🙏 and its exactly the kind of way to conversation I was hoping for, that only someone with local knowledge could provide. Sadly the levelling up fund is in the decision making hands of the Councillors and they are not given any clear indications on how it should be spent, so instead of being spent on transport and infrastructure which would be of huge importance it will get misappropriated to something that will either indirectly help a Councillors interests or a vanity project to keep locals quiet, “look at this shiny new thing over here but don’t look at the city centre..”. the real worry is that if an accolade like “the city of culture” cannot slow down the rate of decline then what is the hope for the rest of us?

[@Sanniz]

It's so sad and it happen everytime and everywhere. Since Covid, war in Ukraine and more, many places turn to ghost place cause of all high costs. And bigger bussinesses are only intrested gaining money for share holders. I wish we at least could turn those to mybe better places for everyone and mybe even living places for people with not much money. Wow... That's cheap watch a movie! Here it costs 4 times that prize! I hope time change soon, so we don't get that much empty places wasted. Thanks for showing. Have a fabulous weekend 🦇🖤🖤🖤🖤🦇

[@GENerationXplorers]

Thanks Sanniz hope you are having a gooden 🖤🖤

[@morgsjoboo2247]

Hi Nick and Jill Hope you are both well 😊 Hull is our nearest city so know it well. It's such a shame about Hull, we've lost all the major department stores from the city centre. Whitefrigate was once so busy, such a loss losing M&S Looking forward to the Maritime museum re opening It's good that all the museums are free to visit. Plenty of places to eat in St Stephens too. Princes Quay shopping centre doesn't have hardly any shops now. In the 90' it was so popular. Thanks for such a great video, we really enjoyed it. 😊 Next time you visit, have a walk around Humber Street and the marina, some great places to eat and drink. Hope you are having a good weekend 😊

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi guys thanks for this we are returning at some point to do a different kind of video so some great tips there! Hope you are having a nice weekend and Boo has given you lots of fur baby cuddles Jo for this special day ❤️

[@morgsjoboo2247]

@GENerationXplorers yeah any tips on Hull just ask xxxxx Hope you've had a good weekend Think it's Boo who's been spoilt more this weekend, she was 10 yesterday 🙈🤣❤️

[@GENerationXplorers]

@morgsjoboo2247 Oorr happy birthday boo 🐶🎉🎁

[@joshbateman5941]

Great video GENeration Xplores! I support the high street and make nearly all of my purchases in stores, whilst many people predominantly shop online. People have to accept that city centres are changing, however I do accept the premise that the council could do more to improve the centre, as well as other things that have attributed to its decline. We need to be more optimistic about our high streets, whilst highlighting its challenges like realised within this video! It’s a fantastic city, especially when you realise what amazing sights it has in comparison to places like Leeds (where I currently live). The city council, the public, developers, and landlords need to work together to make our city centres more attractive, rather than pointing fingers at each other (like half of these comments).

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you so much Josh, we did enjoy our time in Hull, it certainly has a lot to offer a visitor and barely looked at any of the great things you can do there. genuinely looking forward to a revisit when I’m not charting the death of retail. I really try to shop and support local shops, they are fighting so hard to stay afloat in what must be insurmountable odds. hopefully a change in Government will help slow the decline or even meet it head on and do something about it. there is a high street regeneration fund available but what scares me most is that most towns and cities don’t want to admit they have a problem and as a result will miss out on funding that could make a difference. it really is utterly depressing to see how our towns and cities have changed over the last decade. whilst a lot of these changes might have happened with an alternative Government certainly not all of them would. the years of austerity and public cuts has really hurt policing the bars and clubs we used to have in our towns and cities. a healthy night time economy is always good to lure in visitors that will stay and go out at the night and shop during the day. we have all but lost that under Tory rule.

[@yorkieiron1763]

Did you get chance to go down Paragon Arcade during your visit? It is just off the high street. Its thriving with local restaurants and the odd shop

[@GENerationXplorers]

gosh we missed Paragon Arcade, it looks lovely. that’s going to the top of my list for our next visit 👍

[@RugbyLeaguePassport]

Need to Covert the upstairs parts in to housing/units. When people move in the ground floor shops and pubs will eventually pick up again when you add hundreds/thousands of people in to the area

[@GENerationXplorers]

that will be the perfect solution, id like to see Government and Councils at least talking about the fact that the high streets are in decay and looking towards rezoning areas in this manner.

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Another brilliant vid Nick. So thought provoking. Goodness knows how places like Hull can ever recover the High Street. Planning failures across the country have caused this. The Retail Parks rule (unfortunately). Central Funding is being reduced so Council Tax and rates go up Public Services dying No idea what the answer is mate. Feels like it’s all too late whatever they try and do. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@GENerationXplorers]

Yeah you are probably right 🙁👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Excellent video, Nick! 👍👍

[@GENerationXplorers]

thank you Dara. Rishi we are coming for you….. (hint, he lives nearby, very affluent spot)

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi Nick and Jill Thank you for being an advocate to express the issues this city holds. I am not aware of the economy situation in the UK. It is not only this city, but there is a global problem. Malls in the US are failing and so far are turning into Outlet shopping mall(discounted) A question is where are the consumers are.... we cannot deny online shopping grows and retailers started stunk. I am absolutely favor of the idea of repurpose. I am not sure about building codes, but hopefully....there will be silver lining. How the city make such museum attractive to visitors??? Maybe hotels? I don't think bringing back a few shops into mall is realistic as a solution. It has to be a complete project subjected for the entire area, I reckon. You, two Rock!! You nailed it! HAPPY NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Hi Ms Kayak we did not know it was National Womens Day! It is Mothers Day here in 🇬🇧 today! Great comment as always with some very good points! We will be revisiting Hull for a different kind of video in the future! Enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍❤️

[@debragarcia1371]

I lived in hull 2014 2017 still connected daughters dad lives there born and bred taxi driver I’m from Leeds I found when I lived there It’s so flat no views I would go out for a bus and not know which side of road to be on or direction I was going in Streets seem so so long compared to Leeds But I felt safe there the city McDonald’s in the city knew me and my regular order that would never happen in Leeds I enjoyed the closeness community and history Also coming from Leeds if I can say this and I’ve visited recently It’s still a very Yorkshire place as in Mostly white British people if I’m allowed to say that that’s what I find it’s nice because it’s close to the coast I like hull very different from Leeds which is just an hour away a city but yet feels more country

[@GENerationXplorers]

that’s pretty amazing about McDonalds, love that Debra! your absolutely right about the demographics of Hull and of course it all contributes, 93.9% people are white, 2.2% people are asian, 1.4% people are mixed. looking forward to revisiting Hull and just enjoying what it has to offer. feel like there is lot to enjoy there beyond the boarded up shops that are blighting most towns and cities. 👍

[@Kris_1708]

Humber estuary, little Switzerland and Hull marina have very good views 🫣

[@GENerationXplorers]

@Kris_1708 ah thank you so much. It’s a super high priority for us to return now in a very positive light and show off just how great Hull is. We are going out to cover York tomorrow (in a positive light) also boarded up like the rest of us, but I think we will be back filming in the lovely Hull next week. Excited for our revisit!

[@TheCreatorsObserver]

You mentioned 3 museums near the start but one is City hall not a museum

[@GENerationXplorers]

oh I messed up there, realised after I came out of the lovely Art Gallery my mistake but sadly some teens playing loud copyrighted music outside the town hall had moved in and I couldn’t re-record the line. An extra museum is pretty cool though right!?

[@DonnaTaibossigai]

Hull definitely was vibrant in the past. It's such a shame seeing all these shops closed and still closed after the pandemic has loosened its reins. Hopefully things get revitalized.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Let’s hope 🤞👍❤️

[@dreddykrugernew]

The city of culture ruined the city for a lot of people. We had way to much construction they basically closed all the footpaths in the city centre except for really tight walkways, and this was the full city centre. They tore up all the pavements and then they had a about 4 people working doing block paving across the whole town. It went on for about 2 years and loads of places went out of business, then as the city of culture year was upon us in descended all the crack heads and spice heads from around the country to beg and steal what they can. Loads never left and now the city centre is a proper dive, it ruined the city never again...

[@GENerationXplorers]

oh gosh that’s a real shame, badly timed “improvements”, thats just terrible planning. then to top it all the darn pandemic stole your final year of culture. couldn’t make it up. Hull needs more funding, still so much potential there.

[@rachelshonahague5718]

She's taken a battering this island of ours... something has to change and soon.😢

[@GENerationXplorers]

So true Rachel it’s so sad 🙁 hope you are having a nice weekend ❤️

[@Kris_1708]

Hull marina Humber street is well worth visiting during the summer it’s very lush

[@GENerationXplorers]

definitely going on our list Kris. very excited to return and will probably stay over as there are just so many great things to do in Hull. we are now officially fans! 👍

[@Kris_1708]

@@GENerationXplorersit’s only a 2min walk from here 12:38

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Amazes me that circus circus still stands. I think im too young (but still an old duffer) to have had the opportunity to visit. I shopped at all these places in the early to mid 00s. The internet probably has more to do with this highstreet decline than anything.

[@GENerationXplorers]

think your right Michael but Hull Council has played a huge part too. they built Princess Quay which must have been a state of the art shopping Mecca until very recently and then just down the road they build St Stephens to a better spec and closer to the train centre!!? what on earth did they think would happen to the other shopping centres? maybe they presumed all could survive at the same time? 🧐

[@jaredini]

The 'construction' is actually the demolition of the former Co-Op Department Store, part of it was taken over by BHS-Mothercare. The Co-Op part was derelict for nearly 30 years. The mural by Alan Boyeson is being saved.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Just noticed an article in HullLive dated 2017 that shows the construction becoming a vast new retail space. At that time people were getting excited about the prospect of having massive retail units arrive in Hull. How times change..

[@Dave-yk6ls]

they saving the mural now? last i heard they was bringing it down cuz it was full of asbestos

[@jaredini]

@Dave-yk6ls the building has asbestos in it. The building I live in does, as does HRI. It's only dangerous when it's cracked or pulverised. I doubt the mural has asbestos in it, even if it does its not an issue.