Work resumes for office conversion specialist

With one development recently completed, another underway and a third in planning, property development company Empire says it is now back at work in Hull.

Doncaster-based Empire is currently converting the former office building, Wilberforce Court on Alfred Gelder Street, into 151 city centre apartments.

The company had stripped out the floors it has access to and had started to form the new apartments when lockdown hit.

Work has resumed and the apartments, which are being sold off plan, are attracting interest from local buyers.

In January Empire completed the transformation of Tivoli House on Paragon Street, once a Hull City Council office which had stood empty for ten years, with all 58 apartments sold off plan.

Now lockdown restrictions are being lifted, the business says it is looking forward to welcoming new owners to the development.

It is awaiting final planning approval for its George House development on George Street, which again involves converting this former office into apartments.

Managing director of Empire, Paul Rothwell, said: “What we are hearing time and again is that people are looking for good quality, well-priced accommodation, close to where they are working.

“If you work in the centre of Hull and can find a great apartment it saves on travel expenses and time, plus when you aren’t at work you have the city centre and all it has to offer on your doorstep.

“The buildings we are converting are now getting a second lease of life rather than standing empty so it’s a win win.”