To take advantage of its location the shopping centre is constructed with large windows giving visitors panoramic views of the Hull Marina and the dock.

The centre, built round a central atrium, opened to the public on 15 March 1991 and consisted of 3 decks of over 80 retail outlets.

A fourth floor, known as Top Deck, was converted from retail units in 2007 into a 10-screen cinema by Vue with Europe's first digital screen.

Princes Quay is well served by public transport with many bus routes stopping immediately outside the centre and with Hull Paragon Interchange only a few minutes' walk away.

[7] Since 1991, the Hull International Canoe Polo tournament has been held every July on the waters surrounding the shopping centre.