Potential tenants in talks to move into redeveloped former office block

A property in Hull which benefited from a multi-million pound redevelopment is attracting interest from leisure and food and drink operators, following the opening of Tesco as its first tenant.

King William House, in Market Place, was transformed thanks to a £6m investment by its owners, with a new exterior and the conversion of the upper floors into residential apartments prior to the pandemic.

The commercial aspect of the development was placed on hold as Covid-19 took hold, but was revived at the start of the year, with a Tesco Express becoming the first tenant last month.

Paul White, agency director at commercial property specialists Garness Jones, which is handling enquiries for spaces at the development, said: “King William House has always been an important redevelopment for the city given its location, and it is one we have been determined to remain patient on and get right.

“It bridges the gap between Whitefriargate, which is beginning to benefit from investment and a clear regeneration focus backed by all, and Hull Marina and Fruit Market, which of course is now a thriving jewel in the city’s crown.

“We have held encouraging talks with a leisure operator which has the potential to attract a lot of visitors, and also with food and beverage operators.

“We have exciting levels of interest which gives us confidence of being able to make more positive announcements in the near future.

“We have seen from recent developments how well mixed use developments can work.  Filling building entirely with retail outlets or offices is not always the answer in modern times.”

Remaining units available in King William House – a former 1970s bank and office block – include retail, office, bars, cafes and restaurants, all purposes for which Hull City Council has given consent.