Hull City fans launch heritage project to save landmark terrace

Hull City Supporters’ Trust (HCST) have launched a new heritage project to unearth and restore the UK’s only surviving original Edwardian football terrace.

Now overgrown and in a state of disrepair, the terrace was part of the Spion Kop end at Hull City’s original Anlaby Road ground dating back to 1906.

Now working with the local authority and National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull City fans have begun investigative work to establish the viability of restoring the original Spion Kop terracing.

Steps of the overgrown Spion Kop © Hull City Supporters’ Trust

Chris Smith, who is leading the project for HCST, said: “The trust is set to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a significant grant towards what might well be a million pound project, including access walkways, signage, lighting, seating and landscaping.”

HCST have begun fundraising efforts to match the Heritage Fund’s support with a Spion Kop 1906 members scheme – contributors will get a special metal treadplate with their names on the restored terrace once complete.

Nick Thompson, chair of HCST, said: “We are now appealing to Hull City supporters to back this passion project by becoming members of the Spion Kop 1906 Club to raise the necessary target to match the Heritage Fund’s support.

“The Trust has received generous support, in kind, from the football club but it’s the individual supporters and the local business community that we are relying on to kick the project towards the final whistle.”

The original Spion Kop terrace from Anlaby Road © Hull City Supporters’ Trust

Hull City councillor and leader of the council Mike Ross has been recognised for his contribution to the project by being named the inaugural member of the Spion 1906 club.

Hull City Council facilitated a lease for the land containing the original terrace and site of the project project as the council leader’s contingency fund made the first significant contribution towards the trust’s eventual target.

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