Approval granted for Hull’s Debenhams resi conversion

Hull City Council has given an unanimous go-ahead to developer DBG regenerating the vacant site into 178 apartments, allowing the change of use from retail to residential.

Part of the overall plan to convert the building, permission has also been granted for changes to the windows on the building to bring them up to living standards.

Having listened to previous concerns from the council, DBG has altered its initial plans for 190 apartments set across all floors, and has reinstated retail units on the ground floor in its designs.

HMS Town Planning & Urban Design worked on the plans for DBG.

The building has stood empty since Debenhams closed in 2021, leaving 17,000 sq ft of empty retail units inside.

As for the windows, currently, the single-glazed timber-framed windows do not meet habitable thermal or energy-efficient requirements, and DBG wants to replace them with double-glazed UPVC.

Part of the building, which is a listed asset located on Prospect Street, falls within a conservation area.

Speaking at the meeting, Adam Drake, DBG’s operations director said: “We’ve been working in Hull for five years, creating a variety of opportunities across the city. Our goal is to continue working in Hull for the next five years.

“We’ve explored different buildings. If you look at the original planning portal, the site in question was actually slated for demolition and a complete redesign.

“We acquired it from receivership, worked with what was already there, and created an open-plan design that enhances the space without being detrimental.

“We’re collaborating closely with the council to maintain retail spaces and promote sustainable living.

“Our focus is on Hull – we’re creating jobs and supporting a diverse trade network that we’ve been developing for the past four to five years, and we plan to continue growing it.

“The Debenhams project is a larger scheme, which will generate even more jobs in the city center and help stimulate economic activity there.

“We’re not a national builder. We’re local builders based in Doncaster, working throughout South Yorkshire and Humberside, and that’s our sole focus. We have no plans to expand beyond this region.

Speaking at the meeting, cllr Terry Keale said: “One of the most important things is bringing something back to life, rather than tearing it down and building it new. Everything’s there ready for it to go.”