Fit for a King: New luxury apartments on market after £4m refurb
GRAND: Developer Paul Luen in one of the new apartments
By Simon Bristow
New apartments in Hull’s latest high-end residential development - marketed as the city’s ‘Royal Residences’ and promising ‘the pinnacle of luxury living’ - have been placed on the market to let.
The King’s Buildings, which stands directly opposite Hull Minster and was originally built between 1866 and 1875, has been transformed from an empty shell in less than a year following a £4m investment by Hull entrepreneur Paul Luen.
A VIP opening and showcase evening for the 24 apartments is being planned by Mr Luen’s company, Lucava Investments, with the fully furnished one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments available to rent from September 1.
Set over three floors with sizes ranging from 647sq ft to 1,258 sq ft, the apartments represent some of the biggest in Hull, with four two-level penthouses available offering breath-taking views across the city.
Standing beside the impressive Hull Minster, the attractive period property boasts large open plan spaces, original features such as large windows, cast iron columns, high ceilings and views over the Minster and out towards the Humber.
Mr Luen says he has been committed to ensuring the highest quality throughout, aiming to offer a living space which rivals the very best boutique hotels, while creating a community of ‘aspirational people’ who will thrive living, working and socialising in the heart of Hull.
“The aim throughout this project has been to raise the standard of developments like this in Hull up another notch and create a truly aspirational place to live in the city,” he said.
“It has been designed for aspirational people who value uniqueness, for people who appreciate space, texture and interior design, and for people who want to be part of a vibrant community.”
Each apartment has been uniquely designed and boasts generous living spaces, high-end British kitchens with built-in Bosch appliances, granite work surfaces, large-screen televisions and mood lighting.
The complex has also been designed with ‘working from home’ at front of mind, with a dedicated communal co-working and socialising area, including a kitchen, tables, comfy chairs, coffee tables and large-screen television. All apartments include ultra-fast internet access and USB charging sockets.
Mr Luen said: “In modern times it is critical to balance working from home with socialising, to optimise energy and mental health, and that is why we have made the communal areas a key focus of the development.
“Alongside the co-working and socialising area, which is ideal for residents to relax in, host meetings, or just simply enjoy a change of scenery for working, we have also created The Kings Courtyard, a private outdoor space which includes a fire pit, relaxing sofas, large bean bags and a barbecue area. It is a place where residents can relax together.
“We’ve also built a dedicated residents’ gym with cardio machines, free weights and other equipment. We really want to create a community, as this will help ensure the development succeeds long-term, and has a positive impact on the city.”
Prices for the apartments range from £950 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, to £1,450 a month for two-bedroom apartments, and £2,500 a month for the three-bedroom duplex penthouses.
“The market in Hull is very strong at the minute and we have seen the demand is there for the highest quality residential developments with some recent schemes commanding similar rental values and doing very well,” said Mr Luen.
“We have to keep raising the bar, and that is what I believe we have done here. I decided to go down the rental route as I wanted to retain my own interest in the development going forward.
“I don’t want the apartments being bought up by overseas investors and to stand empty. I want it to be a real community and I want to be part of supporting that by always ensuring the development is maintained at the standard it is on opening day.”
He added: “I’m a Hull lad and I really think we have created something special for the city with the history of the building and its features to the standard of accommodation, and of course the great location beside the Minster and close to the Fruit Market and city centre.”
Paul White, agency director at commercial property specialists Garness Jones, handled the sale of the King’s Buildings, which have housed Hull Telephones Club, a shopping arcade and a market in the past, and says the development is a big boost for the city. He says Mr Luen was the ideal buyer.
“This is exactly the sort of investment that Hull needs,” he said.
“It is ambitious, is of the highest quality and is the sort of development we have seen in other cities such as Leeds and Manchester in previous years and have looked at with envy. People have previously suggested Hull can’t support developments of this standard, but it can.
“When Paul first showed an interest in the building I knew he would create something special as he was so passionate about what could be achieved. To do what he has done in less than a year is incredible and shows his determination to provide something special in the city, which he has certainly done.”
Anybody wanting to express interest in an apartment or request to attend the VIP opening night can call 07510 930861 or email kingsbuildings@lime-property.co.uk