A new History Centre has opened in Hull, East Yorkshire, part of whose funding was the largest ever Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant ever given to the city. The total cost of the project was £9.83m, of which £7.7m came from the HLF.

Designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt and built by contractors ISG, the centre houses documents such as the city's 13th century Royal Charter as well as collections of local, regional and national importance relating to the city of Hull and the surrounding areas. Hull's maritime history also features, as well as political figures - such as slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce - and pressure groups, and prominent figures in literature and drama, amongst them the poet Philip Larkin.

The archives form part of the extensive collections held by Hull City Council and the University of Hull, which are being brought together into one, purpose-built centre, complete with staff from both organisations. To mark its first day of operation on 25 January, the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull - councillor Karen Woods - and the vice-chancellor of the University of Hull - Professor Calie Pistorius - presented the Royal Charter and one of Philip Larkin's workbooks to the centre.

A ceremonial opening with the unveiling of a plaque within the building is set to take place in the summer.