Iconic city buildings brought back to life

BEHIND THE SCENES OF £2M REGENERATION PROJECT

- By DEBORAH HALL [e-mail] @DeborahHall15

VISITORS have been welcomed behind the scenes of a huge restoration project at two of Hull's most iconic buildings.

Regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has hosted exclusive viewings at the landmark Castle Buildings.

A hugely challenging rejuvenation project delivered by Wykeland has breathed new life into the site, which now incorporates the rebuilt former Earl de Grey pub.

With structural and interior renovation works now complete, Wykeland opened the doors for an invitation-only 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 two-listed landmarks from dereliction and created almost 6,000sq 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 require ments and building regulations.