A thriving new community has formed in Hull’s Fruit Market with the final opportunities now available for people to make their homes in the city’s first urban village.
A unique development bringing contemporary city living to Hull has become home to a wide range of residents from young couples, to professionals, families and retired people, all seeking the vibrant lifestyle offered by the waterfront location.
The growth of the community has now reached another milestone with housebuilder Beal Homes releasing homes in Finkle Quarter, the final phase of Hull’s most exciting residential development in decades.
The properties are mostly townhouses, all with outdoor space and secure parking within private courtyards, with the first homes in Finkle Quarter ready for occupation by early summer.
Construction of the £20m Fruit Market development is expected to be complete by the end of this year and, when fully occupied, around 300 people will be part of the new neighbourhood.
Residents say they enjoy having everything they need on their doorstep, including independent shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants and bars. Even during lockdown they can enjoy a scenic stroll around the nearby Hull Marina and waterfront.
And, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, a series of new businesses have launched in nearby Humber Street over recent months, meaning residents will have even more opportunities to enjoy their community as restrictions ease.
Professor Trevor Burnard, Director of the Wilberforce Institute in Hull, and his wife Deborah Morgan, a librarian, moved into their two-storey home with a loft room in Horner’s Square in November 2020.
The couple, both 60, relocated from Melbourne, Australia, and chose to make the Fruit Market their home.
Deborah said: “We love the atmosphere and vibrancy of the Fruit Market with the bars, restaurants, shops and galleries close by.
“The demographic is diverse and we’ve met a wide range of people, from young professionals to retired couples, living here.
“Once restrictions are eased, the lifestyle the Fruit Market offers is exactly what we signed up for. We love going for walks around the marina and I can imagine how dynamic and fun it will be in the summer when hopefully everything can reopen. I know we won’t be disappointed.”
Dr Ashraf Hanna, 30, who is training to become a GP, has lived in Scott’s Square with his wife, Alyce, 29, since August 2020 and they are expecting their first child in February.
Ashraf said: “We moved to Hull from Scarborough and looked at a lot of different areas, but we really like the Fruit Market.
“The marina is lovely, we have dedicated parking, it’s safe and close to the city centre. The community is really nice and people have been so friendly. We’re looking forward to getting to know our neighbours better once restrictions ease.
“The shops and businesses are fantastic and there is a gym around the corner, which is brilliant for me to visit before work when we’re not in lockdown. It’s lovely to be able to walk everywhere.”
First-time buyer Sophie Lee, 25, a consultant in public sector development, moved into her two-bedroom townhouse in Scott’s Square in July 2019.
She said: “There’s a real sense of community. My neighbours have become my friends and we all get on really well. We socialise together on Humber Street and everyone looks out for one another.
“In normal times I use the bars, restaurants, takeaway bakeries and cafés a lot. There is so much choice and something for every occasion.”
The newly-released homes in Finkle Quarter range from a two bedroom, second floor apartment, priced at £184,995, to a three bedroom three-storey townhouse at £269,995.
As well as homes in the final quarter under construction, there are also a handful of completed homes within the development available to move into now, including a three-bedroom townhouse show home in Scott’s Square priced at £259,995.
The Fruit Market residential development is a key element of the £80m regeneration of the waterfront district being driven forward by the Wykeland Beal joint venture of commercial developer Wykeland Group and Beal Homes, working in partnership with Hull City Council.
In less than five years the development partners have transformed a near-derelict area into an exciting commercial, creative, cultural and residential community amid the cobbled streets of what was for decades the home of Hull’s wholesale fruit and veg trade.
Sue Waudby, Beal Sales and Marketing Director, said: “The Fruit Market residential development is now into its final phase with the release of Finkle Quarter, which will be a fantastic addition to Hull’s most vibrant area.
“We’re delighted that people who have chosen to make their homes in the Fruit Market have had such a positive experience and formed such a close-knit community. The release of Finkle Quarter offers the final opportunities to become part of Hull’s place to be.
“There is simply nowhere like the Fruit Market locally, offering everything you need on your doorstep and a choice of distinctive, characterful homes.”
