Next phase of Albion Square redevelopment to begin

PROTECTION: An image showing how the Albion Square Thee Ships mural will be supported

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

The next phase of the redevelopment of Albion Square is set to begin, Hull City Council has revealed - but it won’t now be complete in 2026, as originally planned.

The council has said design and build contractor VINCI Construction is set to begin works for the next stage of the city centre project.

This will include scaffolding around the iconic 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 also be installed to allow the proposed demolition of the former BHS building ahead of redevelopment of the site.

In parallel, following successful early market engagement, the council will commence procurement for a lead development partner with a view to making an appointment in spring 2026.

It said the 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. The plan previously was for the project to be completed in 2026.

Councillor 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.”

The primary objective of the Albion Square development is to transform a derelict but strategically positioned city centre site into a high-quality mixed-use residential, commercial, leisure and cultural development in line with the recently published City Centre Vision and the city’s Local Plan.

Details on how prospective lead development partners can submit their bids will be published at a later date.