Arco headquarters on Fruit Market given green light

Planning approval has been given to Arco’s new head office and a 350-space car park at the Fruit Market.

The head office and car park are part of a £22m development on the marina.

The move will see 450 staff moving to the area.

The development will see Arco return to its roots in the Fruit Market, where the business opened its first shop in 1893.

The relocation of Arco’s head office is a vital part of Hull City Council’s long-term strategy for the city centre.

The council has worked closely with Arco, Wykeland Beal, the Humber LEP and Highways England in order to deliver this vision which will also support the delivery of the Castle Street scheme.

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, said: “Arco moving its head office and 450 staff to the Fruit Market will be a significant boost to the area and all the fantastic businesses that operate there.

“The relocation is a major part in our long-term vision for the city centre, key to both the regeneration and investment that continues to take place on the Fruit Market, as well as the vital Castle Street works.

“Arco is a nationally recognised and respected company with its foundations firmly in Hull. We are delighted that this decision, alongside the construction under way at its distribution centre at Priory Park, shows that the company’s future is also in the city.”

Construction of the 55,000 sq ft head office is due to begin this summer, with the aim of Arco staff moving in 2020. Building work will begin at the same time on the multi-storey car park, which will offer a mixture of contract and pay-and-display parking.

David Evison, managing director of Arco, said: “This planning permission signifies another chapter for Arco and our return to the Fruit Market. Although our Waverly Street office has served us well since 1961, our new head office will provide the room we need for continued growth and allow our colleagues to prosper and new talent to emerge.

“As many will know, we have a strong connection to Hull and we are dedicated to ensuring its success, which is why we are devoted to investing in its growth.”

The regeneration of the Fruit Market is creating one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing communities in the north of England.

Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland Group, speaking on behalf of Wykeland Beal, said: “We’re delighted this landmark scheme has gained planning consent.

“As well as securing Arco’s future in Hull in a showpiece new head office, this development paves the way for further investment in residential, retail and leisure space, all adding to our ‘live, work and play’ vision for the Fruit Market. The multi-storey car park will also be a vital asset, supporting Arco and its employees and the growth of the area as a magnet for business investment and visitors.

“We will now continue to work in partnership with Arco to deliver a building that will provide a platform for success for many years to come, while also delivering another huge boost for the remarkable rejuvenation of the Fruit Market.”