Hull to finalise search for Albion Square development partner
The procurement process for a partner will begin this month, with the council intending to make an appointment by spring.
Contractor Vinci has begun work to secure the grade two-listed Three Ships mural prior to the demolition of the former BHS building, which the council hopes will take place before the end of 2026, once a developer is chosen.
Scaffolding is being erected to secure the distinctive mural, with a specialist steel frame reinforcing the structure to protect it during the future demolition process.
It is hoped the long-awaited redevelopment of Albion Square will commence in 2027.
Hull City Council first asked for expressions of interest from developers in April last year.
The primary objective of the Albion Square development is to transform a derelict but central site into a high-quality, mixed-use residential, commercial, leisure, and cultural development, in line with the recently published City Centre Vision and the city’s Local Plan.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development, said: “To minimise the time between the completion of the demolition and the construction of the new development, the council aims to appoint a lead development partner, like it did for the East Bank Urban Village, by spring 2026.
“We want to appoint an industry leader when it comes to urban regeneration and city centre placemaking, carrying on the momentum from the East Bank, because we understand how important Albion Square is to the regeneration journey we’re taking Hull on.”
