The transformative multi-million pound Albion Square development will begin to take shape this month with the start of the demolition of the former BHS and Co-Op buildings on the derelict city centre site.

VINCI Building will begin demolishing and clearing the site, ahead of a huge regeneration project that will include the creation of modern homes, retail and leisure units, office space and a stunning new urban park.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The Albion Square development is a key priority for our city. It is a vitally important site, in the heart of our city centre, but it is in desperate need of regeneration.

“I think with any project of this scale, it is when work begins on site and we start to see the transformation taking place that the ambition becomes a reality – so I can’t wait to see work begin this month.

“Albion Square will play an important role in the ongoing regeneration of our city centre, complementing the millions of pounds of projects and investment we’ve already seen, whilst also encouraging and supporting new businesses and investment.

“This is one of the largest regeneration projects in the North and reflects the confidence in the city shown by investors such as Reckitt and Siemens.”

The Albion Square development is the catalyst for a wider package of city centre regeneration works and is being supported as part of a £19.5m grant that the Council has secured from HM Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project has also been supported with £2.5m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, which was secured by the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.

The demolition will take 80 weeks to complete. The careful and complex process includes the removal of remaining asbestos that is present in the fabric of the buildings, as well as the safeguarding of three existing murals, which includes the Grade II listed Three Ships Mural, that are being retained as part of the development. The demolition, asbestos removal and works to retain the murals will cost £7.6m.

The demolition and asbestos removal is being delivered by the Council’s Construction Partner, VINCI Construction Ltd.

Chris Winspear, VINCI Building’s Regional Director said: “This important development will transform the city centre. Working in partnership with Hull City Council, we are delighted to commence this complex demolition contract as a significant first step towards realising this ambitious project.”

The Albion Square development in Hull city centre will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park.

The eco-friendly and environmentally responsible project will include solar panels, EV charging points and a bike hub where cyclists will be able to store bikes.

At the centre of the site, a new urban woodland will reconnect communities with city centre green space, allowing nature back into our urban areas through rewilding.

Hull’s iconic Three Ships Mural will remain and be incorporated into the new development, alongside two other murals, the Fish Mural and Sponge Mural, currently located on the upper floors of the former BHS Building.

Construction on the site is set to start in 2023. The project is due to be completed in 2026.