£96m city centre transformation approved

The £96m Albion Square development in Hull city centre has been approved by city council’s cabinet.

The scheme which was described by the council as  an “eco-friendly and environmentally responsible development”  will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park.

Demolition works are expected to start on site in early 2022 before construction begins in 2023, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Albion Square is a key component in the city’s regeneration.

“The large Albion Square site is an important and prominent location in our city centre, so it’s vital that we see it regenerated.

“This investment is not only crucial to the future success and prosperity of our city, but it’s also the only viable option for the site. In its current, undeveloped state, the site requires continuous and significant costs in order to keep it safe, and is also an obvious eyesore in what should be one of the most historic and impressive parts of our city.

“The only option, and the best option for Hull, is to regenerate the area.”

The project will also see the city’s iconic Three Ships Mural by Alan Boyson, which is currently located on the upper floors of the former BHS Building, be saved and incorporated into the new development.

In a statement the council noted that the rear of the mixed-use development will feature retail units, as well as housing that it described as being “sensitive and complimentary to the existing Georgian architecture” and will feature family homes and apartments.

The centre of the site which will include a new urban woodland and park is said to be designed in order to showcase how people can live with water. With the aim of creating a dynamic and ever-changing park where water levels can rise and fall depending on weather conditions, to create either parkland or urban wetland.