Work starts on £35m shopping centre redevelopment
WORK has begun on the £3.5m refurbishment of St Stephen’s shopping centre in Hull to create new shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, the biggest development of the centre since it opened in 2007.
Designed by Wakefield architects The Harris Partnership, the redevelopment includes a new 50 seat café pod for Caffé Nero and the transformation of the old Gala Bingo hall, which has stood empty for several years, into four new leisure units.
Tony van der Vliet, deputy centre manager of St Stephen’s said: “The works will significantly add vitality to the shopping centre and enhance the food, drink and leisure offering of the city centre.
“It is the start of a new chapter for St Stephen’s and aligns with our strength of regeneration and public realm works throughout the city in readiness for Hull’s 2017 UK City of Culture.”
Gravity Trampoline Park has already confirmed a £1.5m deal to take a unit inside the centre and others are expected to be announced.
The work is being carried out by contractor Lindum Group and eight full-time jobs will be created in the retail pod when completed.
