The council is looking for a lead development partner for the Albion Square site, the former BHS building in Hull city centre
How the Albion Square site looks now(Image: Hull City Council)
Hull City Council has launched the hunt for a lead development partner to breathe new life into its key city centre regeneration project. The plot formerly occupied by BHS in Hull’s heart is poised to become the city’s flagship development.
Via YORtender, the council is calling on prospective bidders to present their vision, masterplan, and financial assessment aligned with the council’s strategic goals for the location. At the core of the development lies the ambition to transform a vacant yet prime city centre plot into a premium mixed-use, residential-focused scheme.
The authority says it is seeking a lead development partner who will spearhead delivery, forge partnerships with the council and relevant stakeholders, secure necessary funding and resources to deliver a forward-thinking and sustainable scheme, whilst retaining a lasting commitment to the site.
Coun Paul Drake-Davis, who holds the council’s economic renewal, housing and organisational development portfolio, said: “The council is pleased to have reached the stage where it can formally accept tender bids for a lead development partner for Albion Square. I look forward to seeing the prospective partners bids as the council continues to push forward its ambitious city centre regeneration.”
The council’s cabinet made the decision to pursue a development partner in February 2025. At that juncture, the council’s documentation highlighted the significance of shared risk in such ventures, noting it was seeking “the risk and reward [of the project] being shared between both parties”, reports Hull Live.
The project, which is poised to transform a substantial portion of the city centre, is expected to progress throughout 2026, with the council anticipating the former BHS building will be torn down by year’s end. Following demolition, redevelopment of the site will commence.
Whilst the area undergoes redevelopment, the iconic Three Ships mural is earmarked for preservation and will maintain its position overlooking Jameson Street. The mural’s location on the former BHS building, which is scheduled for demolition, means considerable attention has been devoted to determining how to safeguard the artwork throughout the works.
The subsequent phase of the project will involve securing the mural with a specialist steel frame. This framework will enable the mural to remain standing whilst the building is demolished and the site is redeveloped.
The works will be undertaken by contractor VINCI Construction, whom the council’s cabinet agreed in February to pay £45,000 monthly for preliminary expenses including site inspections and security staff, pending the appointment of a lead development partner.
