Historic buildings to house modern apartments as Whitefriargate regeneration gathers pace

‘UNIQUE PLACE TO LIVE’: The buildings where the refurbishment will take place

A row of Grade II-listed buildings on Whitefriargate are to be partially converted into modern apartments following a £433,000 grant from Historic England.

The funding will support the conversion of unused upper floor space above retail units, at 7-9 Whitefriargate.

Hull City Council is also supporting the project, which is being delivered by Hull Trinity House Charity, with a £35,000 grant.

The historic street is undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme, supported by private investment as well as funding from the council, Historic England, and Hull and East Yorkshire LEP.

Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone on Whitefriargate is investing £1.75m into projects that will revitalise the area, diversify the traditional high street offer, and bring unused floor space back into use, the council said.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Whitefriargate is an important and historic part of our city centre. The ongoing investment in the area will ensure that its iconic buildings and historic past can play a key role in the bright and exciting future of our city.

“Revitalising and reinventing our city centre requires a balance of various different ideas and projects. We all know that retail can no longer dominate and sustain our high streets, which is why projects like this one, that will create first-class and modern city centre housing, are key to creating a sustainable and successful city centre offer.”

BUSTLE: An artist’s impression of how the regenerated Whitefriargate could look

The project will create two one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom apartment, over two floors on 7-9 Whitefriargate.

The charity has been working with Historic England architectural consultants and the council’s conservation officer on plans for the comprehensive refurbishment of the shop upper floors, where existing historic features will be retained and restored to create a “unique” place to live in the heart of the Old Town Conservation Area.

The Grade II-listed buildings were designed by Charles Mountain Junior for Hull Trinity House in 1829-30. 

Craig Broadwith, from Historic England, said: “We're delighted to be working with Hull Trinity House as they help to transform Whitefriargate and bring much needed homes into the heart of Hull's Old Town.

“Historic England is proud to be part of this renewal, working with our partners at Hull City Council.

“The High Streets Heritage Action Zones, led by Historic England, is a government-funded initiative and designed to secure lasting improvements to our historic high streets for the communities who use them." 

The Whitefriargate regeneration project includes a number of grant schemes and funding projects.

Regeneration is also being supported by the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP’s Humber High Street Challenge Fund, which is investing £1m in the area.