A NEW £14m business centre that was almost scuppered by a derelict stable block has been given the go-ahead.
Planning permission has been given for Hull's Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI), which will be built on a prime site opposite The Deep.
About 450 people are expected to be based at the complex near Humber Street, which will be aimed at attracting start-up digital and technology companies.
The site will also include a new public amphitheatre in the currently derelict former Central Dry Dock next to the River Hull.
A series of planning applications for the scheme were unanimously approved by councillors yesterday, including the demolition of an old stable block that some conservationists had claimed should be retained.
Jon Moss, who founded the Hull Digital group four years ago, is now a director at C4DI.
He said: "We are absolutely delighted by the decision.
"It is a huge opportunity for the city and for young people wanting to work in the digital and technology sector.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to create a world-class digital campus that is visible from London.
"It will link with other similar digital hubs elsewhere in the UK but I have to say, having presented our plans to people in some other cities, I know places like Leeds and Manchester have got nothing like this.
"It is also in the right place. The Fruit Market is a wonderful, creative place and, working with partners around the city, we are now going to make this happen to benefit the city and make the most of the remarkable growth in this sector."
The city council's own planning officers had recommended refusal for the scheme put forward by Hull-based developers Wykeland, who are partners in the C4DI project.
They argued that the need to retain the stable block, which dates from the early 19th century, outweighed the advantages of the new development. But councillors backed the plans after carrying out a site visit earlier in the day.
Councillor Rilba Jones said the prospect of encouraging the growth of a new creative industry next to the Fruit Market was too good to miss.
She also welcomed proposals to improve flood defences in the area as part of the facelift of the old dry dock.
Councillor Terry Keal said: "I am impressed by the design of the main building, it's the proper location for it and it complements The Deep.
"I do believe we can develop this area into something really special. This is a move in the right direction."
Approval of the main building overlooking the dry dock and the River Hull was granted on condition that more work is carried out on its proposed design.
Councillor Tom McVie said it needed to make a statement about the city because of its prominent location.
"This is a bog-standard building. It is does not say to me 'this is Hull'," he said.
The development will also include archaeological remains displayed at the site.
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