Call for a 'full investigation' into Iron Lilies grant award

THE RESTAURANT CLOSED EARLIER THIS YEAR AFTER BEING AWARDED £750K FROM HULL CITY COUNCIL

- By ANDREW SPENCE

Inside Iron Lilies, in Princes Quay, Hull

(TOKYO INDUSTRIES)

THE opposition Labour Group in Hull City Council have called for a “full investigation” into how Iron Lilies was awarded £750,000 by the council, only to close less than a year later.

The botanical garden-themed restaurant in Princes Quay closed its doors in July despite having received the significant grant.

Tokyo Industries, which runs Iron Lilies as well as being the operator behind the shopping centre itself, said it was a “tough decision” to close the venue.

However, it crucially added: “We are excited to announce that we are looking to reopen the premises later in the year with a brand new and far more appealing offering for our guests.”

The restaurant was given a maximum grant of £750,000 from the Liberal Democrat-run council in the form of a Levelling Up Funds (LUF) grant which aims to help bring unoccupied units back into use.