Historic riverside buildings converted into studio business properties
A developer breathing new life into old buildings throughout Hull city centre has completed the £1.2m renovation of two historic riverside properties.
Allenby Commercial has converted Danish Buildings and the adjoining Grade II listed Bayles House into 17 studios.
These spaces are being snapped up by professionals such as architects, film-makers, marketeers, tattooists and hair stylists.
There are two remaining units – which could be amalgamated into one – offering a business location in the heart of Hull’s Old Town.
The renovation has been supported with £250,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Humber LEP.
Chair of the Humber LEP, Stephen Parnaby, said: “We’re thrilled to see work complete on this historic Hull building, which we were pleased to support through the Local Growth Fund.
“Not only has it supported the regeneration of an important building in the Old Town, it has also supported the creation of new office space and enabled start-ups and existing businesses to grow their operations in a city centre location.”
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke MP, said: “I am delighted that the redevelopment of Danish Buildings has now completed, creating new jobs for the people of Hull and providing a much-needed boost to the riverside while preserving the rich heritage of these historic buildings.
“The Government invested £250,000 into this important development and I am pleased to see small businesses and new start-ups are already benefiting from being able to grow their businesses in Hull city centre.”
Charlie Allenby, business development manager at Allenby Commercial, said: “The support of Humber LEP was a very significant factor in the whole project.
“It enabled us to carry out much more of the restoration work which has become a key feature of both buildings.”
Parts of the property date back to the 17th century. Bayles House was originally built as a house in the 18th century and underwent alterations later that century and in the mid-19th century.
It was listed in 1952 and sits next to Scale Lane Bridge and the Lion & Key pub, and opposite Ye Olde Black Boy.
Allenbys began the renovation after buying the buildings from Hull City Council in 2017.
Allenby said: “It has been a very delicate project, starting with Danish Buildings because that isn’t listed and we were able to proceed more quickly and meet the early demand for what has become a prized location.
“We then moved on to Bayles Houses which has delivered spectacular awards for the care and attention it has received.
“An old toilet block has been converted into an unrecognisable ‘summer house’ meeting room which the tenants love to use to impress their clients.
“We brought in a specialist to recreate coving which had been removed or damaged and we’ve used heritage paint products throughout.
“The idea was to entice creative and productive people out of their spare rooms at home and into Hull city centre, and where better than the Old Town and the cobbles of High Street to bring like-minded businesses under one roof?”
