Refurbishment of ‘iconic’ Grade II-listed city building takes shape
The refurbishment of a Grade II-listed city centre building in Hull is progressing as part of a £2.45m project.
The main part of the scheme involves work on 79 Lowgate, with the building being completely refurbished to provide corporate office space within the Guildhall campus.
Its improvement will support the relocation of staff from Brunswick House on Beverley Road and from other offices to support the reorganisation of social services.
Once finished, 79 Lowgate will be able to accommodate up to 175 staff in modern, flexible and first-class office space.
The £2.45m initiative also includes external improvement works to 76 and 78 Lowgate, as well as at Warehouse 8 fronting Queens Gardens. Works are being carried out by Hobson & Porter.
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for regeneration, economic investment and property, said: “This refurbishment will provide modern and first-class office space for staff in the heart of the city centre, as well as bringing back into use one of Hull’s most impressive buildings.
“Financially, this is also a sensible and prudent move by the council, who will benefit from the sale of Brunswick House as well as the cost savings that will be made by relocating staff to more modern facilities.”
Work on 79 Lowgate includes features such as installation of rooftop solar power panels, an energy efficient heating system and intelligent and energy saving LED light fittings.
The architectural and historic features of the building will be preserved.
The project supports the council’s corporate accommodation strategy to vacate inefficient buildings and to maximise capacity of buildings on the Guildhall campus.
Joe Booth, business development director for Hobson & Porter, said: “We are pleased with the progress being made at the refurbishment of 79 Lowgate and are delighted to be working with Hull City Council to restore this iconic and elegant building, which has played an important and diverse role in the city’s heritage.
“It’s great to see conservation projects of this nature taking place in our home city as we enter our 50th year in business.
“79 Lowgate is one of many historic landmarks we have been preserving and refurbishing in the city in recent months; complementing our ongoing work at the neighbouring Guildhall site and across the city at the historic Beverley Road Baths.
“We’re delighted to be bringing this Grade II-listed structure back to life and into contemporary use.”
79 Lowgate was formerly used as the City Archives. However, this came to an end a decade ago when the Hull History Centre was opened.
Located on Guildhall Road and overlooking Queens Gardens, it was originally built as the headquarters for wine and spirits merchant Samuel Mason.
