Custom House set for refurb after project awarded more than £250,000

READY FOR A MAKEOVER: Custom House at the rear of 13-14 Whitefriargate

By Simon Bristow

Plans to regenerate an historic building off Whitefriargate have received a “huge boost” after two grant awards worth more than £250,000.

Trinity House Charity, part of Hull Trinity House, has been awarded £198,171 from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and a further £56,620 through the Whitefriargate High Street Heritage Action Zone.

The funding is for the conversion of redundant, vacant offices at the Custom House building to the rear of 13-14 Whitefriargate.

The project will see the creation of three one-bed apartments, following planning approval being finalised.

Proposed works include a full re-roof of the property, internal refurbishment, upgraded electrical supply and structural and window repairs.

There will also be refurbishment of existing historic architectural features and new gates under an adjacent archway to incorporate a pedestrian access control system, Hull City Council said.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Schemes such as Levelling Up Funding and High Street Heritage Action Zone have already helped unlock so much potential in places such as Whitefriargate.

“It is pleasing that the council is able to continue to support heritage projects and I look forward to see them come to fruition.”

The LUF is funded through monies awarded to Hull City Council in 2021 by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.