Scaffolding is being removed today, Monday 20 January, from the former BHS building as Hull City Council’s Albion Square regeneration project prepares to move onto its next phase.
Asbestos removal from the derelict building is now complete, meaning that scaffolding can be removed over the next couple of weeks.
In total, 607,000 tonnes of contaminated waste, including concrete blocks containing asbestos, was removed from the building, taking 21 months to complete.
The next steps for Albion Square will be discussed at the council’s cabinet meeting on Monday 24th February.
The primary objective of Albion Square’s redevelopment, is to transform a derelict, but strategically positioned, city centre site into a high-quality mixed-use scheme with a focus on residential and a mix of active uses on the ground floor.
This site has a wider significance for the future economy of the city, as a visitor destination and a place that people choose to live, work and play.
A recent addition to the Albion Square project is a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC), on the corner of Bond Street and Albion Street.
Due to open this year, the facility is set to enhance healthcare services in the region, providing residents with improved access to essential diagnostic services including CTs, X-rays, MRI and phlebotomy all under one roof.
The council is also proud to announce that the CDC will feature the historic Alan Boyson ‘Sponge Mural’, which will be located within its reception area.
The mural has undergone significant restoration and, of its original 658 tiles, 277 have been successfully salvaged from the former BHS building as the council and contractors Vinci Building collaborates closely with experts to replicate the damaged tiles, ensuring the mural matches its initial design.
Installed between 1961 and 1963 within the Skyline Pantry restaurant and ballroom of the old BHS building, the Sponge Mural was once only visible to patrons on the fourth-floor but is now being meticulously restored to its former glory.
Also located in the ballroom was the Shoal of Fish Mural which is currently in storage and will also be refurbished and returned to site. The Grade II listed Three Ships mural will remain in place and form part of the new residential scheme.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at the council, said: “I am pleased to see that the scaffolding on the former BHS building is now being removed, with preparations taking place for the next stage of the project.
“It is great to hear that the council, with contractors VINCI, is working to restore Alan Boyson’s Sponge Mural and that it will have pride of place in the reception area of the CDC.”
