Wykeland sets out vision for retail element of £80m Fruit Market regeneration

THE developer behind the £80m rejuvenation of Hull’s Fruit Market has outlined its vision for Humber Street, which will be the retail and leisure focal point of the scheme.

The revamp of the city centre’s waterside being led out by Wykeland Group and Beal Homes in partnership with Hull City Council ahead of Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017.

Wykeland Beal said Humber Street will contain a variety of retail and leisure units, ranging in size from 400 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft.  

The independent and artisan businesses will be complemented by a restored public realm, the latter transformed following a £1.5m investment by Hull City Council.  It is hoped the combination will create a “distinctive area” in the region with a character and atmosphere similar to places such as Seven Dials and Shoreditch in London.

Wykeland Beal is targeting the new units at companies from across the Humber and Yorkshire region, either as start-ups or existing businesses looking to expand.  In addition, a series of incubator spaces will be available to help fledgling retail and restaurant ventures to launch and develop, before moving into permanent space on Humber Street as they grow.

Humber Street will serve the 70 professional, digital technology businesses already in the Fruit Market, as well as the growing residential population.

Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland Group, said: “The Fruit Market is an exciting new retail and leisure destination, not just within the context of Hull, but on a regional level.  Outside of London, there are very few places that will match its combination of character, vibrancy and the eclectic mix of independent retailers, from fashion businesses to baristas.  Demand for the available retail and leisure space is already very strong, with some great local and regional brands already committed to, and starting to open in, the Fruit Market.”

Fawley Watson Booth and Scotts are the leasing agent for the retail and leisure element of the Fruit Market.