Plans submitted for £130m city centre redevelopment scheme

Plans for a £130m regeneration scheme in Hull City Centre have been submitted, which could create hundreds of jobs.

Hull City Council has submitted an outline planning application for the redevelopment of Albion Square.  The application, for mixed use development, comprises of ten new retail units, an indoor ice arena, 278 residential units, office space; car parking (including a 612 space multi-storey car park), new public spaces and landscaping.

The council’s application states: “Our purpose is to provide a high-quality mixed use development which is sympathetic to its surroundings within the city, and reflective of the distinctive character of the area. By drawing inspiration from the indigenous character of Hull City Centre we aim to integrate into the built environment, and contribute positively to the existing retail core of the City.

“The design approach is based on a comprehensive understanding of the Site’s scale, local character, contextual generators and the developer’s brief for an integrated and successful development. The addition of new mixed use development will help restore a sense of place across the Site, from the uninviting and visually unpleasant vacant buildings and surface car park, into a dynamic and inviting area that forms part of a revitalised image for Hull City Centre.”

It is expected around 540 jobs will be created through the scheme.

A key feature of the site is the Prosperity Through the Sea Mosaic, which creates a prime frontage onto King Edward Square. The council states: “The preferred retention of the Mosaic has heavily dictated the layout and form of the development along Waltham Street, King Edward Street and Jameson Street. As the Mosaic its locally listed, clear views must be retained; however, this area also offers prime retail frontage and ultimately the final design must find a common ground for both.”

The council said its preferred option was the retention and restoration of the existing mural. It added: “However as more investigations are carried out other options may be investigated and these include reduce the size of the existing panel, replicate an exact match with modern materials or replace with new work through commission or competitions.”

The council said the new square would provide animation, enclosure and active uses, supplementing public realm spaces that run through the City Centre.

It added: “Hull City Council has acquired the freehold interest in the Albion Square site as a means to facilitate the strategic regeneration of the area. The council intend to procure a lead developer partner to deliver the scheme.

“The assembly of the site, the carrying out of demolition works and securing outline planning permission is likely to stimulate investor interest in the opportunity.

“The development will be implemented in phases. It is likely that the first phase of development will comprise the development of retail and leisure uses along King Edward Street, Bond Street and Jameson Street.

“Demolition works are likely to begin in January 2019.”

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