Hull Forward: Leadership, Infrastructure, and Inclusive Growth – Insights from Leader, Councillor Mike Ross
- truthaboutlocalgov
- Nov 12
- 6 min read
Hull is a city on the rise. Recently named one of National Geographic’s Top 25 Places to Visit in 2026, Hull is stepping confidently onto the global stage with a bold vision for regeneration, infrastructure renewal, and inclusive growth. This recognition highlights Hull’s transformation from an overlooked port city into a vibrant destination for culture, investment, and innovation.
The city’s progress is backed by serious numbers: over £3 billion in public and private investment since 2013, creating 25,000 jobs and driving economic growth through its City Plan. Hull’s cultural sector alone has contributed £224.8 million to the local economy since 2015, employing nearly 7,000 people and delivering £25.9 million in wellbeing benefits. Its landmark year as UK City of Culture in 2017 attracted 5.3 million visits and injected £300 million into the economy, proving that culture can be a powerful engine for regeneration.
Yet Hull’s ambition is not without challenge. Ranked as the fourth most deprived local authority in England, the city faces significant social and economic hurdles. But rather than being defined by these statistics, Hull is determined to rewrite its narrative leveraging infrastructure renewal, cultural vibrancy, and inclusive growth to create a cleaner, safer, and fairer future. At the heart of this transformation is Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council. His leadership blends ambition with a deep sense of place, championing projects like the £40 million five-year infrastructure investment plan to upgrade bridges and transport links, ensuring Hull remains connected and competitive. As Ross puts it:
“I want Hull to be known as a place that does things well, that offers a lot that people want to come and invest in.”
Leadership Rooted in Community
Mike Ross has served as a councillor for over 23 years, and his motivation remains clear:
“What I’m doing this for is for the people that I serve… first and foremost, the residents in my ward.”
Hull’s identity is shaped by resilience and independence. Ross describes it as:
“Almost the independent state of Hull… people just make stuff happen here.”
This ethos underpins the city’s approach to growth practical, determined, and community-focused. It’s a mindset that has helped Hull attract over £3 billion in investment since 2013, creating 25,000 jobs and positioning the city as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and green energy.
Infrastructure: Building the Foundations for Growth
Hull’s £40 million five-year infrastructure investment plan is one of the most ambitious in its history.
“This is a city built on water… bridges are quite important in Hull.”
The plan prioritizes maintaining and upgrading critical bridges and transport links to keep the city moving. Connectivity isn’t just about convenience it’s about economic survival. Hull’s economy relies heavily on manufacturing and logistics, sectors that demand robust infrastructure and efficient transport routes.
Why this matters:
Hull is a gateway to Europe, with its port handling 10 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it vital for UK trade.
The UK faces a £12 billion backlog in local road and bridge repairs (Department for Transport), highlighting the scale of the challenge nationally.
Hull’s infrastructure renewal supports its role in the Humber Freeport, which is projected to create 7,000 jobs and attract £1 billion in investment over the next decade.
Culture as a Catalyst for Investment
Hull’s cultural renaissance didn’t end with its UK City of Culture 2017 status it was just the beginning. Councillor Mike Ross emphasizes:
“Culture is a priority for us… it’s about place and attracting people to invest.”
Culture in Hull isn’t just about art and heritage it’s an economic engine. The City of Culture year alone generated £300 million in economic benefit, attracted 5.3 million visits, and created 800 new jobs in the cultural sector (Hull City Council report). This momentum has continued, with Hull’s cultural economy contributing £224.8 million since 2015, employing nearly 7,000 people, and delivering £25.9 million in wellbeing benefits to residents.
Why this matters for growth:
Cultural investment drives tourism: Hull welcomed over 1.2 million visitors in 2024, boosting hospitality and retail sectors.
It strengthens Hull’s identity as a destination city, supporting inward investment and talent attraction.
National Geographic’s recognition of Hull as one of the Top 25 Places to Visit in 2026 underscores the global appeal of its cultural offer, including the £42 million Maritime Project to restore historic ships and museums.
Sustaining this cultural momentum is central to Hull’s growth strategy because vibrant places attract people, businesses, and opportunities.
Devolution: Unlocking Regional Potential
Hull’s push for devolution reflects a desire for parity with powerhouse regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Councillor Mike Ross explains:
“There is tremendous potential for devolution… opening doors to funding and equivalence with other regions.”
Devolution isn’t just a political concept it’s a practical lever for growth. Regions with devolved powers have demonstrated how local control accelerates investment and innovation.
Why it matters for Hull:
Greater Manchester has secured £1.5 billion in additional investment since 2017 through devolved powers, enabling major transport upgrades and housing projects.
West Midlands Combined Authority leveraged devolution to attract £4 billion in private sector investment between 2018 and 2023.
Hull aims to replicate this success by using regional autonomy to unlock funding for infrastructure, skills development, and green energy projects.
The Humber region already plays a critical role in the UK economy, handling 10 million tonnes of cargo annually and hosting the country’s largest offshore wind operations. Devolution could amplify this by giving Hull and East Yorkshire greater control over transport, housing, and economic development priorities ensuring decisions are made closer to the communities they affect.
Challenges and Opportunities
Hull’s ambition is bold, but the challenges are undeniable. The city is ranked as the fourth most deprived local authority in England, according to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, with persistent issues in health outcomes, housing quality, and income inequality. Life expectancy in Hull is three years lower than the national average, and nearly one in three children grow up in poverty. These figures underscore the scale of the task ahead but they also highlight why Hull’s transformation matters so much.
Councillor Mike Ross acknowledges this reality:
“We are not a place without challenge… but where we can get to is fantastic.”
Financial pressures compound these social challenges. Local authorities across England face funding gaps projected to exceed £4 billion by 2026 (Local Government Association), and Hull is no exception. Rising costs in adult social care, housing, and energy put additional strain on budgets, forcing councils to make tough choices. For Hull, this means working twice as hard to attract external investment, secure government support, and leverage partnerships with the private sector.
Yet, Hull’s independent spirit its “just get on and do it” attitude has been key to its resilience. This mindset has already delivered £3 billion in investment since 2013, created 25,000 jobs, and positioned Hull as a leader in offshore wind and green energy. The Humber region now accounts for over 40% of the UK’s offshore wind capacity, making Hull central to the country’s net-zero ambitions. The opportunity lies in building on these strengths:
Infrastructure renewal to support manufacturing and logistics.
Cultural investment to attract visitors and talent.
Devolution to unlock funding and local decision-making.
Green energy leadership to secure Hull’s role in the future economy.
Hull’s story is not one of decline it’s a story of determination, innovation, and inclusive growth. The challenges are real, but so is the potential to create a city that is cleaner, safer, fairer, and globally connected.
The Vision Ahead
Councillor Mike Ross’s long-term goal for Hull is clear and ambitious:
“I want Hull to be known as a place that does things well, that offers a lot that people want to come and invest in.”
This vision is not just aspirational it’s grounded in a strategic roadmap that combines infrastructure renewal, cultural investment, and a strong push for devolution. Hull is positioning itself as a city of opportunity, where resilience meets ambition and where local pride translates into global relevance.
The next decade will be pivotal. With the £40 million infrastructure plan ensuring connectivity, the £42 million Maritime Project reinforcing Hull’s cultural identity, and the Humber region’s leadership in green energy driving sustainable growth, Hull is building the foundations for long-term prosperity. The city’s inclusion in National Geographic’s Top 25 Places to Visit in 2026 signals that Hull’s story is resonating far beyond East Yorkshire it’s becoming a destination for visitors, investors, and innovators alike. Ross’s vision is about more than economic metrics; it’s about creating a city that feels vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready. A place where businesses thrive, communities feel empowered, and culture continues to inspire. Hull is not just catching up it’s setting its own pace for progress.
Conclusion: Hull’s Next Chapter
Hull’s transformation is not a distant ambition it’s happening now. The city is investing in infrastructure, championing culture, and pushing for greater regional autonomy to secure its place as a competitive, connected, and vibrant destination. As Councillor Mike Ross says:
“This is a city that has a tremendous future and we want people to be part of it.”
Hull’s journey is about creating opportunity economic, cultural, and social for everyone who calls it home and for those who choose to invest or visit. The challenges are real, but so is the determination to overcome them. Hull is writing a new chapter, and it’s one defined by resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth.