‘We’re thrilled to be moving into such a historic building in a beautiful part of our city’
The Grade II listed building’s upper floors are now flats(Image: Submitted)
Armed Forces charity Hull 4 Heroes has found a new home in a newly-renovated space in one of the city’s Grade II listed buildings. The charity will take over the 5,600 sq ft ground floor of the Kings Buildings, opposite Hull Minster in South Church Side.
The building’s owner, Paul Luen, whose Lucava Developments Limited company bought the property in 2020, has been looking for a suitable tenant for almost two years. He said he is “delighted” the space is finally going to be used by a charity, which is a “perfect fit”.
The top three floors were converted into 24 apartments and made available in 2022. The building will now be fully occupied with Hull 4 Heroes taking the ground floor commercial space, which offers use of the communal gym and indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.
Mr Luen said: “When we set out to create this Grade A office space in Kings Buildings, I wanted it to become the home for a company or organisation that had close links to Hull and was part of the city’s fabric. I also always wanted it to be home to a single organisation, which was a challenge given the size of the space.
“We had interest from health and wellbeing organisations, dental practices and legal firms, but the size narrowed the market. When Hull 4 Heroes showed interest, it seemed the perfect fit.
“It is a fantastic charity which does some wonderful work and is a charity Hull can be proud of.” Mr Luen had the support of Hull City Council, which provided Levelling Up funding to help refurbish the ground floor space.
Hull 4 Heroes supports veterans, serving personnel and families through housing, wellbeing, employment, education and crisis support services. It is presently based a small unit in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, and the move to Kings Buildings represents the next stage in the charity’s growth and long-term commitment to the city.
Founder and CEO Paul Matson says that, on the back of a recently awarded Government contract to extend its important services throughout northern Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, it is the right time to move into bigger premises, and a fitting new home. “We’re thrilled to be moving into such a historic building in a beautiful part of our city, and I believe it will be an ideal and apt new home for us, given its called the Kings Building, and we support those who serve King and country,” he said.
“Given the significant contract we secured earlier this year to extend our services, we needed somewhere where we can further grow as a charity, and Kings Buildings will certainly allow us to do that. I have to say, Princes Quay have been fantastic with us and a huge support, but we had to take this opportunity to secure what I am sure will become our recognised home, directly opposite Hull Minster. It’s an ideal location.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us as we need to complete a full internal office fit-out to turn it into a welcoming, professional space for veterans, serving personnel and their families. We are looking for support from local businesses, tradespeople and individuals who may be able to help with building materials, plasterboard and insulation, electrical work, plumbing and heating, joinery, flooring, decorating, office furniture and labour of any kind.
“Every donation, discount, hour of labour, or introduction to someone who may be able to help will make a real difference. Hull 4 Heroes has always been built by the community, and we’d love the community to help us create this next chapter too.”
Paul White, director of Hull-based commercial property specialists Garness Jones, said he was delighted to have supported Hull 4 Heroes in securing the new premises – continuing the business’ association with Kings Buildings, having been involved in its sale to Mr Luen in 2020. The charity hopes to be in the new space by early 2027.
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