HULL – Regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has hosted exclusive viewings of the stunning restoration of two of Hull’s most iconic landmark buildings.
A hugely challenging rejuvenation project delivered by Wykeland has breathed new life into historic Castle Buildings, which now incorporates the rebuilt former Earl de Grey pub.
With structural and interior renovation works now complete, Wykeland opened the doors for a breakfast launch for the business community, project partners and property professionals, followed by an open event for local residents.
The £2m project has rescued the Grade II-listed landmarks from dereliction and created almost 6,000 sq ft of prime, flexible commercial space in the heart of the city centre.
Built in 1900 as offices for Hull steamship owners and brokers Messrs G R Sanderson, Castle Buildings was last occupied in 1970, so it is now being brought back into use for the first time in more than half a century.
The neighbouring former Earl De Grey pub, which dates back to the 1831 and was once a popular haunt for seafarers visiting Hull from around the world, closed in 2010 and had also fallen into disrepair.
Maintaining the history and heritage of the buildings has been at the heart of the project, with many original features carefully restored, while incorporating new elements to meet modern workspace requirements and building regulations.
Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re proud to reveal the restored Castle Buildings and open the doors to visitors for the first time in many decades.
“This restoration demonstrates our commitment to bringing historic buildings back into active use, while protecting and enhancing their heritage, particularly in our home city.
“This has certainly been a labour of love and undoubtably one of the most complex projects we’ve undertaken. The end result is a modern, high-quality working environment in a very special building, rich in period features.
“We’ve had strong interest from potential occupiers, looking to make the most of this incredibly rare opportunity to move into one of the city’s most historic and prominent buildings in an excellent location in the heart of the city centre.”
Castle Buildings is one of Hull’s most distinctive landmarks, with its striking curved frontage and Renaissance Revival architectural style, overlooking the A63 Castle Street.
The project has seen extensive structural repairs, a new roof and all the windows replaced with authentic, double-glazed reproductions. Inside, original Parquet flooring, wrought iron columns and mosaic entryway flooring have all been retained and refurbished, reversing decades of decline.
Ahead of the restoration works, the Earl De Grey was carefully dismantled in 2020, before the start of the A63 improvement works, with the historic frontage and feature green tiles painstakingly removed by hand and placed into storage.
The main project saw scaffolding which had supported the derelict Castle Buildings for over 30 years removed, to make way for new scaffolding to enable the roof and windows to be replaced, as well as general improvements to the brickwork.
Piling work was then carried out at the new site of the Earl de Grey, before the building was carefully reconstructed with the original frontage, to now face towards the Connexin Live arena. A modern glass atrium has been added to seamlessly connect it to Castle Buildings.
Kathryn Shillito, Executive Director of HullBID (Business Improvement District), was among those who toured the restored Castle Buildings.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see how Wykeland has preserved so many of the original features, including panelling, Parquet flooring, and the iconic green Earl de Grey frontage, which has been no mean feat!
“One of the things that really struck me is just how flexible the space is. The building can be let as a whole, or as smaller units, meaning it is really adaptable and can accommodate a variety of businesses.
“Walking around the building I was also really impressed by just how quiet it is, considering it is located by the main thoroughfare through the city.”
Castle Buildings is now available for office or leisure use and can be let in full – potentially as a corporate headquarters – or sub-divided into smaller suites, with parking available to occupiers.
Castle Buildings enjoys a prime location by the A63 and adjacent to Connexin Live and Princes Quay shopping centre. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Hull’s rail and bus interchange, as well as to Hull Marina and the Fruit Market waterfront quarter via the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge across the A63.
Pictures: R&R Studio.