Developers still have high hopes for project to construct tallest building

DEVELOPERS planning to construct Hull’s tallest building say they are still committed to the project, despite other major schemes falling by the wayside.

A 23-storey skyscraper is part of a 100m waterside development destined for the former Rank Hovis Clarence Mills site, next to Drypool Bridge on the River Hull.

The plans also features accommodation for 590 students and a 53,000 sq ft casino as well as a hotel and four restaurants.

Next week Manor Mill Developments is seeking to extend its planning permission for another five years. It says it has not been able to make more progress because of the time Hull Council is taking over awarding a casino licence.

The authority has said an application is unlikely to be decided before 2011.

Other major projects including the Fruit Market and Quay West have stalled but Manor says in its submission “the commitment remains to progress the development.”

Planners are recommending giving an extra three years, rather than five.

The building is now derelict and police say they have numerous reports of break-ins.

Rank Hovis operated the site until 2005. Second World War bombing virtually destroyed the building, which dates from 1890.