MOVING the Wilberforce Monument back to its original location in the city centre could cost up to £1.6m.
The idea has been included in a new strategy aimed at transforming the look of the city centre ahead of Hull's year in the spotlight as the 2017 UK City of Culture.
Although a final decision on the monument has yet to be taken, design consultants hired by Hull City Council to draw up the £25m facelift proposals say moving it back to a site between Queen Victoria Square and Whitefriargate would restore its iconic status.
Art historian Dr Carolyn Conroy, who has recently written a book about the monument, said she had an open mind over whether the landmark should be moved from its present site outside Hull College.
"I am fairly neutral about it at the moment," she said.
"It's probably fair to say that a lot of people don't even see it when they visit the city centre at the moment because of where it is.
"Moving it back to its original position would undoubtedly raise awareness of the monument, of Wilberforce and his legacy."
Dr Conroy's book Homage To The Emancipator is believed to be the first written about the monument.
Proceeds from the book will support the recently launched William Wilberforce Monument Fund, which is promoting efforts to illuminate the structure for 2017.
Dr Conroy said: "I have always been fascinated by the history of the monument, but when I started my research, I discovered that while there was plenty of material about it, there had never been a book about it.
"The monument was originally funded by pubic donation and it cost about £1,500 to build, which is £90,000 in today's money."
The new £1.6m cost estimate is included in a report on the city centre facelift proposals due to be discussed by planning councillors next week.
Moving the monument is included in a second phase of works.
It is thought most of the cost could be covered by Heritage Lottery funding should a grant application be approved.
Projects in the first phase include the full pedestrianisation of Jameson Street and part of King Edward Street, repaving Queen Victoria Square and redesigning the historic Beverley Gate area, including encasing the medieval remains of the Old Town walls in architectural glass.
There would also be improvements to Whitefriargate, Humber Street, the Queens Gardens Rosebowl and Trinity Square, where there are proposals to remove the Victorian boundary wall surrounding Holy Trinity Church.
The first phase works would also cover Albion Street and Bond Street, where the city centre bus loop will be rerouted once Jameson Street and King Edward Street become pedestrian-only zones.
Councillor Steven Bayes, the cabinet member for visitor destination, said: "We need to get the idea and suggestions into the public domain to ensure they have the broad agreement of the public.
"Getting it right is key."
