Park flats to be demolished, four and a half years after work approved by council
EYESORE: Henson Villas. Pictures: Hull City Council
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Demolition work on an empty and run-down block of council flats overlooking Pearson Park will begin next week – four and a half years after the work was approved by Hull City Council.
Henson Villas, which comprises three two-storey blocks containing 24 flats, are being knocked down to prevent the site attracting antisocial behaviour, the council said.
Once cleared the site will provide an “opportunity” to build new council homes, the authority said.
Former residents have already been rehoused.
The council said the buildings have become increasingly unsuitable for modern housing needs, were financially unviable to renovate and update to contemporary housing standards, and have experienced low levels of demand.
A consultation with Henson Villas residents in October 2021 found that most supported demolition and redevelopment.
LOW DEMAND: Henson Villas in 2022
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Resident relocation and demolition was approved by the council’s Cabinet in March 2022.
The council said: “Once cleared, the site will provide an opportunity to develop new vouncil homes, forming an important part of the council’s wider Housing Growth Programme, which will see 840 new council homes delivered across the city.”
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development, said: “The appointment of a contractor is an important step in progressing the demolition of Henson Villas following the relocation of all residents from the site.
“These buildings have been vacant for some time and have become increasingly costly for the council to maintain and secure.
“Their demolition will remove a source of anti-social behaviour and improve the appearance of this prominent location adjacent to Pearson Park.
“The cleared site will provide an opportunity for future housing development and support the council’s ongoing work to increase the supply of quality homes across Hull.”