Albion Square: New urban quarter could be complete by 2030 after developer named
Demolition is finally in sight for the derelict BHS department store in Hull after the council announced it had secured a lead development partner.
Capital&Centric, which has delivered regeneration projects throughout England, including in Sheffield, has been named preferred developer following an initial stage of the formal procurement exercise.
The long delayed scheme should now be finished in four years, Hull Council said.
The Albion Square scheme – which was costed at £96m in 2022 – will turn the derelict site in the city centre into homes, shops, offices and an urban park.
The former BHS store, which closed in 2016 when the retail chain collapsed, includes the listed Three Ships mosaic mural by artist Alan Boyson, which must be incorporated into the scheme.
As part of the planning permission for demolition which was granted last month a specialist steel support structure will ensure the mural’s Grade II listed status is preserved during the demolition and future construction works.
Another major challenge has been the removal of more than 600,000 tonnes of contaminated waste, including concrete blocks containing asbestos.
Hull Council said there would be negotiations with Capital&Centric to finalise the agreement for the development, including a proposed start date for demolition of the BHS building.
The council said it would be “seeking to deliver and complete the Albion Square redevelopment over the next four years”.
Coun Mike Ross, leader of the council, said: “It is incredibly significant to be able to announce Capital&Centric as the council’s preferred lead development partner for Albion Square.
“In time, this vital city centre development will help boost Hull’s local economy.
“It will be a high-quality destination for visitors and residents alike.
"Importantly, it is the final piece of the jigsaw, transforming a vacant site into one that is a top addition for the city."
Albion Square redevelopment has been awarded £12m of the government’s Levelling Up funding, as well as £833,000 from Homes England.
A £2.5m grant via the Local Growth Fund supported asbestos removal and demolition of the Edwin Davis building.