Albion Square regeneration starts with site clearance
ATTRACTION: A fish mural planned for Albion Square
The transformative multi-million-pound Albion Square development will begin to take shape this month with the start of demolition of the former BHS and Co-Op buildings on the derelict city centre site.
VINCI Construction will begin demolishing and clearing the site, ahead of a huge regeneration project that will include the creation of modern homes, retail and leisure units, office space and a “stunning” new urban park, the city council said.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The Albion Square development is a key priority for our city. It is a vitally important site, in the heart of our city centre, but it is in desperate need of regeneration.
“I think with any project of this scale, it is when work begins on site and we start to see the transformation taking place that the ambition becomes a reality – so I can’t wait to see work begin this month.
LEAFY: The urban park planned for Albion Square
“Albion Square will play an important role in the ongoing regeneration of our city centre, complementing the millions of pounds of projects and investment we’ve already seen, whilst also encouraging and supporting new businesses and investment.
“This is one of the largest regeneration projects in the North and reflects the confidence in the city shown by investors such as Reckitt and Siemens.”
The development is the catalyst for a wider package of city centre regeneration works and is being supported as part of a £19.5m grant the council has secured from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The project has also been supported with £2.5m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, which was secured by the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP as part of the Government’s commitment to the so-called Northern Powerhouse.
ICONIC: The Three Ships Mural overlooking the planned development
The demolition will take 80 weeks to complete.
The complex process includes the removal of asbestos present in the fabric of the buildings, as well as the safeguarding of three existing murals, which includes the Grade II listed Three Ships Mural, that are being retained as part of the development.
The demolition, asbestos removal, and work to retain the murals will cost £7.6m.
The demolition and asbestos removal is being delivered by the Council’s Construction Partner, VINCI Construction Ltd.
REGENERATION: The planned Albion Square development viewed from the rear
Chris Winspear, VINCI’s regional director said: “This important development will transform the city centre. Working in partnership with Hull City Council, we are delighted to commence this complex demolition contract as a significant first step towards realising this ambitious project.”
The eco-friendly and environmentally responsible project will include solar panels, EV charging points, and a bike hub where cyclists will be able to store bikes.
At the centre of the site, a new urban woodland will reconnect communities with city centre green space, allowing nature back into urban areas through rewilding, the council said.
The iconic Three Ships Mural will remain and be incorporated into the new development, alongside two other murals, the Fish Mural and Sponge Mural, currently located on the upper floors of the former BHS Building.
Construction on the site is set to start in 2023, with the project due to be completed in 2026.