Senior city councillors to consider investing in flagship cultural asset

Hull City Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider investment proposals for Albemarle Music Centre.

Known as the home of Hull Music Service and an asset of the city’s Music Hub, approval will be sought to procure a construction contractor for the refurbishment of the facility on Ferensway.

Planned works would include re-rendering of the Albemarle’s distinctive “cone”, as well as other improvements to the entrance doors and the building’s heating and ventilation system.

This is intended to not only help safeguard a key asset for the city, but to reduce carbon emissions and energy use, contributing to the council’s sustainability goals and enhancing indoor air quality.

Hull City Council said Albemarle Music Centre plays an important role in helping Hull deliver its cultural ambitions, including building on its UK City of Culture 2017 legacy and its aspiration to become a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

It added investment would further strengthen Hull’s cultural infrastructure, enabling inclusive participation for demographics such as children, young people and vulnerable groups.

Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of the council, said: “Albemarle Music Centre is at the heart of Hull’s Music Hub and a hugely popular and accessible facility.

“It is key to ensuring that the city maintains its strong cultural identity, while also helping it to reach its ambitions.”