The former BHS building is planned to be demolished next year
An impression showing how the Albion Square development could look.(Image: Hull City Council)
Work on the next phase of the hotly-anticipated Albion Square development is set to begin in the new year. Hull City Council has announced work on the landmark city centre scheme will ramp up in 2026.
The next stage of work will include scaffolding around the Three Ships mural, as well as protection and preservation works to ensure its Grade-II listed status is preserved. A specialist steel frame to secure to the rear of the mural will be installed to allow the proposed demolition of the former BHS building ahead of redevelopment of the site.
The work will be done by contractor VINCI Construction, who in February the council’s cabinet agreed to pay £45,000 a month for preliminary costs such as site checks and security personnel, until a lead development partner is secured.
Scaffolding will be fitted at the back of the mural(Image: Hull City Council)
Following early market engagement, the council will commence procurement for a lead development partner with a view to making an appointment in spring 2026. The council’s aim is for the former BHS building to be demolished by the end of 2026 with a lead development partner to take forward the redevelopment of Albion Square in 2027.
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The council hopes to turn the area, which is rather aesthetically challenged in its current state, into a high-quality mixed-use residential, commercial, leisure and cultural development. Details on how prospective lead development partners can submit their bids will be published early in the new year.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development, said: “I’m very pleased to see this much eagerly awaited project move to the next stage which will preserve the Three Ships mural in anticipation of the demolition of the old BHS building.
“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.”