A SENIOR councillor says the old Fruit Market is the wrong place for a proposed international arts gallery.
A major new gallery has been earmarked for the Humber Street area as part of a new City Plan aimed at boosting Hull's economy.
Council officials are hoping to persuade Bridlington-based artist David Hockney to get involved in the project.
But Councillor Terry Geraghty, cabinet portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said he believed the city centre was a better option for a new gallery development.
He said: "When you look at the success of the recent Warhol and da Vinci exhibitions at the Ferens Art Gallery, you have to consider the location as a reason for that success.
"It's right in the middle of the city centre, with easy access by bus and rail. That gives you excellent footfall.
"When you stage exhibitions like this, you want as many people through the doors as you can, and to do that you need good access.
"That's why I believe this new art gallery should be in the city centre and not in the Fruit Market."
Cllr Geraghty said there are other venues, closer to the city's public transport, which would be suitable for a gallery. There are sites available, including one in Ferensway that is less than a minute's walk from the bus station and the railway station.
"The problem with the Fruit Market is that it is stuck out on a limb and you have to cross four lanes of traffic to get to it by foot.
"I think we need to the realistic and look at having this in the city centre, where there are already a lot of other facilities. "
Cllr Geraghty said he was aware his views were not shared by others at the council.
"I know I am going against the grain but I have always supported the idea of having big public facilities in the city centre.
"I always thought the Ice Arena was built in the wrong place because it is too far out.
"Similarly, I backed the idea of building a new sports stadium on the site of the old bus station before they went ahead with St Stephen's.
"You win some arguments and lose others in situations like this but I do think the city centre is the best place for something like this."
• Gallery: Hockney exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull
