Occupiers sought for historic smoke house following restoration
AN historic smoke house in Hull has been restored to its former glory and new occupiers are being sought.
Thanks to help from English Heritage, Hull City Council has refurbished the smoke house in Wellington Street and the surrounding area.
It dates from the 1930s and is one of only eight surviving examples of smoke houses in Hull and the last example in the Old Town.
It was designed by Norman Jones & Leonard Rigby for Messrs C & J Horowitz & Co, Hull & Humber Bacon Smoking Company. Unlike the majority of smoke houses in Hull, which were built for smoking fish, this was built primarily for smoking bacon.
Only eight smoke houses remain in Hull and two of those are currently under threat from demolition.
The authority has been working with partners since October last year to bring the area in the Fruit Market back into a useable state.
Dilapidated warehouses surrounding the building were demolished so that the smoke house could be seen and it was then made weather proof and the area landscaped as part of wider on-going regeneration proposals for the Fruit Market with the help of an aid grant from English Heritage.
Coun Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for visitor destination, said: “It’s good to see this building restored to its former glory. When the Council started to step up efforts to regenerate the Fruit Market area, this building was identified for restoration and we are grateful to English Heritage as they were keen to support this project.”
Blue plaques have also been installed on the outside of the building to show its importance to the area.
Trevor Mitchell, Yorkshire regional planning and conservation officer at English Heritage, said: “This is the last surviving smoke house in Hull’s Old Town and a link to the city’s past as a great port.
“It was last used over 20 years ago and, before the regeneration, it was in a very poor condition. Now I’m pleased to say the building is in fine shape and a landmark for the Fruit Market area. I look forward to seeing new tenants move in and make the most of this fantastic building.”
NPS has been working on behalf of the Council to find tenants for the building.
In particular, they are looking for interest from locally-based groups working in the creative and cultural industries to fit in with the wider, ongoing regeneration of the Fruit Market area.
Potential occupiers have until Friday to register their interest.
