New £30m plan to transform Hull City Centre gateway

A major new £30m development that will transform Hull city centre has been submitted to planners.

The plan for Shirethorn House and the adjacent land and buildings at the corner of Ferensway and Spencer Street, will feature more than 250 residential and retail units and include stylish new townhouses and an internal winter garden for residents.

The development will incorporate the look and feel of nearby historic buildings while adding a range of dynamic new modern elements, including three towers – one stretching to 14 storeys – that will help shape the Hull skyline.

Hull City Council has welcomed the proposals saying it demonstrates the continued confidence in the Hull economy and adds this project will help to further regenerate the city centre.

The proposal from FFH Ferensway and supported by Ferensway Developments aims to cater for a shifting demographic in people wanting to live in the city centre. In addition to one and two bed apartments for young professionals, the development will also feature three bed apartments and townhouses for families.

A range of commercial units and amenity spaces will also be created and designed to provide key services for the residents rather than offering alternatives to other businesses in the city centre.

FFH Ferensway is leading the project, Director Steve Crane says: “Hull City Council still has a positive and forward-looking view and that has provided us with confidence to invest in the city.

“Collaboration has been key to making this project a reality and the feedback we’ve had so far has been fantastic. This site is at a key gateway to the city centre and it will be a fitting addition to the city council’s plans to regenerate Hull.

“We have delivered a number of projects in Hull in recent years and they have been really well received. This a landmark building and we’ll transform it to something modern and fit for the future of the city centre while respecting and enhancing the modern elements. This is the next step in city centre living.”

Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Investment and Regeneration, said: “Hull City Council has ambitious plans to regenerate the city centre and this development will be key to realising those ambitions.

“These developers have a strong track record of success in delivering fantastic projects in Hull and we’re excited to be working with them again. This project will be a striking addition to Hull and it will provide high quality homes as people look to move back into the city centre once again.”

Andy Mowbray, Managing Director of Ferensway Developments, adds: “We have always had confidence in the city and this will be an iconic development for Hull.

“City centres are changing and the Covid-19 as pandemic has accelerated this. This project will help to reconnect people with the city centre as a place to live again and show that there are great experiences to be had here.

“This project couldn’t have happened without the support of the council and it is their vision for the future that continues to provide us with the confidence to invest.”