Hull City Council and The Deep have joined forces and revealed plans to build a multi-million pound visitor attraction in the UK city.

Proposals include converting the derelict Humber Dry Dock site into a story centre based on the world’s river systems.

The partnership has submitted an initial bid of £13.7m for funding from the National Lottery Living Landmarks scheme and a decision is expected by the end of the summer on whether the project can move to the next stage.

The new, as yet unnamed, centre would act as a sister attraction to The Deep – a £50m submarium which opened in Hull in March 2002 and has since attracted 2 million visitors.

The new site would be housed in the body of the original Dry Dock, while the entire complex would be enclosed in a large glass structure.

Hull City councillor David Gemmel said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the city to build on the success of The Deep.

The project will use all the strengths and experiences of The Deep team to create what will be a startling exhibition – while taking its conservation work out into the community.”

The attraction would include interactive presentations on the bio-diversity and eco-systems of the world’s great rivers as well as exhibits on their role in the development of human civilisation.

Councillor Kath Lavery added: “This partnership project embodies the aims of our strategy in employment opportunities, a focus for engagement in learning and a hub for community environmental activity.”