Flood Barrier – Hull

Construction: 1980

I was in the area and thought I’d take a trip to Hull. Why not, right? I was expecting some interesting concrete structures, but in that regard Hull is mostly disappointing. If you can forgive that – which I can’t – Hull is otherwise very pleasant. The highlights are some of the older brick buildings around the dock area and the wonderfully kept Victorian public toilets. The most interesting structure for me is the Flood Barrier, which consists of a pair of raw concrete towers with a glazed stairwell and walkway between them. The towers support a huge steel gate which can be lowered to protect the 2017 capital of culture from tidal surges.