Demolition contractor sought for Hull BHS

Hull City Council has launched a tender to clear the site of the next phase of its Albion Square development, where Capital&Centric is lead partner.

The listed Three Ships Mural will be retained and has already been supported by a steel frame to allow the former department store building to be cut away.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, said: “The council being able to welcome tender bids for a demolition contractor demonstrates the progress which the Albion Square development continues to make.”

Subject to a contractor being appointed, demolition works would start early next year. Planning consent for demolition was granted at the start of May and Capital&Centric announced as development partner later that month during UKREiiF.

Capital&Centric’s concept design for Albion Square. Credit: Capital&Centric

Capital&Centric is proposing between 200 and 300 homes for rent alongside commercial and amenity space.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “Most people see a knackered old BHS. We see the start of something Hull can be proud of for the next hundred years.

“The demolition bit isn’t sexy, but getting it right matters, especially protecting the Three Ships Mural. You’ve got to respect what’s already there before you start writing the next chapter.

“What I really like about Hull is that it’s got its own swagger. It’s fiercely independent, people properly care about the place, and they’re not shy about telling you what they think. That’s exactly the sort of city we want to work in.

“This is just us clearing the decks. The exciting bit is what comes next, and we won’t be keeping the lid on that for too much longer.”

The first phase has been completed, the NHS-funded Community Diagnostic Centre opened in 2025 on the corner of Albion Street and Bond Street. The facility hosted 73,500 appointments in its first 12 months, surpassing its target of 27,000 in that period.

Drake-Davis added: “We have already seen the success of the Community Diagnostic Centre as part of the project, which not only supports crucial medical needs, but also benefits the city centre through increased footfall.

“Albion Square is a vital city centre development which will help boost Hull’s local economy, being a high-quality destination for visitors and residents alike.

“Importantly, it is the next piece of the jigsaw, transforming a vacant site into one that is a top addition for the city.”