Two city centre buildings earmarked for new office developments
Allenby Commercial, the Hull-based property developer, has completed the acquisition of two city centre properties.
The company has purchased Europa House, the gold-clad office block on the corner of Anlaby Road and Ferensway, in addition to the Old Town’s former Jobcentre next to Hull Minster on South Church Side.
Allenby Commercial plans to renovate both properties to bring Grade A offices to the city centre.
Directly next to the Paragon Interchange, Europa House offers 50,000 sq ft of space across six floors.
James Joannou, associate director of Allenby Commercial, said: “The acquisition of Europa House sees one of the most iconic buildings in Hull return to experienced, local hands with the best interests of the city in mind.
“The full potential of the site has never really been realised and in the long history of Europa House, dating back to 1975, it has never been fully occupied.”
The former Jobcentre will provide offices ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft in the bustling Old Town.
Joannou added: “South Church Side is a great site next to Hull Minster and Trinity Square. As numerous city centre office blocks are being converted to residential apartment schemes, we remain determined to see city assets such as this remain for the purpose of job creation and employment for Hull.”
Allenby Commercial is also progressing with a refurbishment programme at WORX, the office development on Beverley Road chosen earlier this year by Arco for a customer engagement centre with nearly 200 jobs.
Joannou said: “We see these two acquisitions as integral in generating employment within Hull city centre, and reversing the trend of businesses relocating outside the city boundaries. Large floor plates, delivered to a high specification and incorporating city centre parking, are absolutely key to keeping businesses and jobs within Hull.
“We look forward to working with Hull City Council and a host of businesses that have expressed early interest in both sites, to see them appropriately developed and occupied again.”
