From jamie.goodwin@hullcc.gov.uk | Tuesday 26 November 2019
1970s glass-fronted office building could be converted into a new multi-use building rebranded as Monocle.
Plans have been submitted to transform the 1970s glass-fronted Europa House on the corner of Ferensway and Anlaby Road into a new multi-use building to be rebranded as Monocle.
The application from Hull property developer Allenby Commercial would see new glazing to replace the yellow-tinted glass covering the outside of the building.
Proposals for the project include a roof terrace cafe, external entrance steps and landscaping at ground level. The application also seeks permission for food and drink outlets.
The plans could create up to 600 new jobs and work could start early next year.
Georgia Allenby, design manager at Allenby Commercial, said: “The inspiration for the rebrand was the existing shape of the building. We are aware that we are altering an iconic building, but change is needed to bring the building into full use.”
Europa House on the corner of Ferensway and Anlaby Road in Hull.
Facilities for tenants will include a cycle store and showers as well as a car park, bringing multiple travel options which include the adjacent bus and rail stations.
Georgia said: “People often identify the building as ‘the big curved mirror building’, because at the moment the glazing acts as a mirror and shield allowing very little vision into the building.
"Not only does this make the corner of Ferensway and Anlaby Road feel sterile, but the system has been poorly designed for the working environment inside the building in terms of temperature control and light quality.
“It will be interesting for passers-by as, for the first time since the property was built, you’ll be able to see into the offices inside the building. We want the place to feel like a buzzing business district with the movement and the activity which you see in other cities but which is currently hidden away in Hull’s big city centre offices.”
