The projects are set to transform large parts of Hull city centre
An impression showing how the Albion Square development in Hull could look.(Image: Hull City Council)
A Hull City Council paper has provided updates on four major development sites in Hull city centre. The four projects are set to transform large parts of Hull and are significant elements of the council’s City Centre Vision.
A briefing paper to the council’s Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Commission also provides estimated timelines for the developments at Albion Square, the East Bank of the River Hull, Myton Gate, and the Paragon site behind St Stephen’s. The paper says the four sites will “offer new inclusive neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and play.”
Albion Square
Updates and announcements around the Albion Square development have picked up in recent months ahead of what is set to be a big year for the city centre scheme. The site, which most notably includes the former BHS building and the iconic Three-Ships mural, is to be redeveloped into a new mixed-use landmark in the city.
The briefing paper states that the steel frame that is to support the Three Ships mural during the demolition of the former BHS building will be in place by June, with the building’s demolition to begin “shortly after.” The site also includes the new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) that opened to the public last year.
The paper predicts construction on site will take place between 2027 – 2031. The paper states that design and planning approval is expected in late 2026 to early 2027.
East Bank Urban Village
The project which seeks to transform much of the eastern bank of the River Hull, is set to endure the lengthiest timeline of the four in the briefing paper. The major mixed-use project, including up to 850 homes, spans the riverbank between the Myton Swing Bridge and Drypool Bridge and aims to mirror the success of the Museums Quarter and Old Town located directly on the opposite side of the river.
Last year the council entered a 15-year contract with ECF (English Cities Fund) for the planning, development and construction of the project. ECF is a partnership of Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.
The briefing paper explains that since entering the contract, Muse have appointed a team of consultants who have developed the concept designs for the project into a full planning submission. It is said the submission of a hybrid planning application is being targeted for March.
The project is to be delivered in four phases, with Phase 1 set to include up to 36 town houses and 79 apartments. Construction of Phase 1 will start in early 2027, with Phase 4 expected to be completed in 2040, the paper says.
Myton Gate
The area of land between Myton Street and Ferensway is seen as a key site for the city centre’s future. The council plan to turn the site, which contains the former Staples, into a mixed-use development including a hotel and residential uses.
The site, which is in full council ownership, “has the potential to be the gateway to the Ferensway Innovation Corridor”, according to the paper. The development of the wider Myton Gate area has already included the construction of Connexin Live and the restoration of the Castle Street Chambers and Earl De Grey frontage.
The timeline for the Myton Gate development in the paper has 2026 down as ‘market development opportunity’, with a development partner expected to be secured in 2027. Construction on site is planned be to between 2029 – 2032.
Paragon
The land behind St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, between Colonial Street and Spring Street is seen as a site ripe for development. The Paragon site, as it has been dubbed, is owned by the council and has a theoretical capacity of 200 homes.
The paper explains that other pieces of land beyond the council owned area could also be included in developments. Out of the four sites mentioned in the paper, Paragon is set to be the one that commences last, with construction expected between 2030 – 2033.
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