'Significant' step forward for city centre project

Plans to turn a derelict department store into a new mixed-use development in Hull city centre have taken a step forward.

Hull City Council has announced Capital&Centric will be the Albion Square project's lead development partner.

The project will see the former BHS store, which become vacant in 2016, demolished to make way for new housing and businesses.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of the council, described the announcement as "incredibly significant" and said it would "help boost Hull's local economy".

He added: "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."

The local authority said it would now be finalising a plan for the development, including a start date for the demolition.

Construction is expected to start in 2027 and the project is expected to take four years to complete.

Andrew Davison, development director at Capital&Centric, described the project as "one of the most exciting regeneration projects in England".

He said: "It's a chance to completely transform a key city centre site into a vibrant new neighbourhood filled with homes, independent businesses, and new energy."

An initial plan, which saw demolition work begin in 2022, was revised and a new planning application to demolish the building and insert a steel frame to protect the Three Ships mural was approved in May.

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