Preferred developers have been announced as social impact champions Capital&Centric
A CGI of how the Albion Square redevelopment will look(Image: Capital&Centric)
Hull city centre is set to be transformed in ‘one of the most exciting regeneration projects in England’ after a preferred development partner was unveiled.
Plans to redevelop the city centre ’s Albion Square first emerged in 2017, with initial proposals for a far-reaching £130m regeneration programme green lit by the city council two years later. Now the scheme has taken a major leap forward after social impact champions Capital&Centric were confirmed as the preferred lead development partner by Hull City Council at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds.
The Manchester-based developer has a strong pedigree in transforming areas, having already delivered a number of projects in key towns and cities, including Manchester, Stockport and Sheffield. It is currently also working on major plans in Sunderland and Gateshead in the North East.
The schemes have grown to become hugely successful neighbourhood communities, with features for residents including gyms, rooftop cinemas, yoga terraces, BBQs, residents’ gardens, terraces and lounges, while also helping to provide a platform for small businesses such as restaurants, bakeries, bars and even pottery companies. The fast-growing firm now spends an average of £3m a week across eight live construction sites.
And Capital&Centric founders Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins have also featured on TV shows such as Channel 4’s Big Interiors Battle and the BBC ’s Manctopia, after garnering a reputation for reinventions of old buildings and brownfield sites.
It was identified as the preferred developer following an initial stage of the formal procurement exercise. Discussions will now take place to finalise the agreement for the development, including a proposed start date for demolition of the former BHS building.
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Cllr Mike Ross, leader of the council, said: “It is incredibly significant to be able to announce Capital&Centric as the council’s preferred lead development partner for Albion Square. In time, this vital city centre development will help boost Hull’s local economy. 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.”
Andrew Davison, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “Albion Square is a massive opportunity for Hull and one of the most exciting regeneration projects in England. 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.
“We are excited to help bring the next chapter of Albion Square to life and looking forward to working closely with Hull City Council and local stakeholders to shape a scheme that feels rooted in Hull and delivers long-term impact for the city.”
Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the former BHS building as part of the Albion Square project last month. The approval included the erection of a specialist steel support structure to the rear of the Three Ships Mural and the erection of temporary hoarding to the site boundary.
The specialist steel support structure will ensure the mural’s Grade II listed status is preserved during the demolition and future construction works.
Albion Square redevelopment continues to benefit from £12m of the Government’s Levelling Up funding, as well as £833,000 from Homes England. A £2.5m grant from the Local Growth Fund also backed asbestos removal and the demolition of the Edwin Davis building.
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