A £1.2 million renovation of two historic Hull city centre riverside properties has won ministerial praise.
The Danish Buildings and adjoining Grade II listed Bayles House have been converted into 17 studios, welcoming architects, film-makers, marketing professionals, tattooists, hair stylists and others, matching the original brief to generate more creativity.
The Old Town renovation has been supported with £250,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Humber LEP as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse, and the investment has made all the difference.
Regional Growth Minister, Simon Clarke MP, said: “I am delighted that the redevelopment of Danish Buildings has now completed, creating new jobs for the people of Hull and providing a much-needed boost to the riverside while preserving the rich heritage of these historic buildings.
“The Government invested £250,000 into this important development and I am pleased to see that small businesses and new start-ups are already benefiting from being able to grow their businesses in Hull city centre.”
His sentiments were echoed by chair of the Humber LEP, Stephen Parnaby, acknowledging the regeneration of an important building, providing office space in Old Town.
Charlie Allenby, business development manager at Allenby Commercial, said: “The support of Humber LEP was a very significant factor in the whole project. It enabled us to carry out much more of the restoration work which has become a key feature of both buildings.”
Parts of the property date back to the 17th century. Bayles House was originally built as a residence in the 18th century and underwent alterations later that century and in the mid-19th century. It was listed in 1952.
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Allenby began the renovation after buying the buildings from Hull City Council in 2017 and set about peeling back carpets and layers of history, exposing and then refurbishing old stone floors, restoring the original wall panels to extend their lives by another hundred years, while removing plasterboards to reveal original fireplaces.
Charlie said: “It has been a very delicate project, starting with Danish Buildings because that isn’t listed and we were able to proceed more quickly and meet the early demand for what has become a prized location.
“We then moved on to Bayles Houses which has delivered spectacular awards for the care and attention it has received. An old toilet block has been converted into an unrecognisable ‘summer house’ meeting room which the tenants love to use to impress their clients. We brought in a specialist to recreate coving which had been removed or damaged and we’ve used heritage paint products throughout.”
Modern working practices are catered for with cosy breakout areas which offer the opportunity to admire the architecture, plus a secure cycle store with shower suite.
Charlie said: “The idea was to entice creative and productive people out of their spare rooms at home and into Hull city centre, and where better than the Old Town and the cobbles of High Street to bring like-minded businesses under one roof?”
The two remaining units – which could be amalgamated into one – are being seen as the icing on the cake, overlooking the River Hull and the Humber beyond, and complete with Juliet balconies.
Emma Pearson-Kendall, managing director at tenant Fred Marketing, said: “This is a fantastic new working space in an excellent location that we’re proud to call home. A move to these stunning new premises was perfectly timed to accommodate our growing team. It’s also a great way to showcase the city as our clients from further afield fall in love with the Old Town – it’s a very special place.”
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Near neighbour Joe Sargieson, of video production company JayJay Media, said: “We see the Old Town and High Street in particular as the cultural industries quarter which people were talking about 15 years ago and which has now happened almost by stealth. We didn’t want to be on a business park, we want to feel part of the city and its heritage. This area has become a real creative hub and that’s what has drawn us in.”
Another heritage project has seen the Victorian Paragon Arcade, built in 1891 by Sir Alfred Gelder, recently welcome six new tenants as demand rises among independent businesses.
Skipping through a few generations, and Seventies-built Europa House is awaiting planning consent for another innovative Allenbys conversion on Ferensway, with the prominent curved glass creation to become Monocle.
Charlie said: “We’re busy with some amazing projects which are all about creating jobs for people in the Hull area by providing practical and interesting space for businesses. We’re thrilled with the feedback about Danish Buildings and Bayles House and while we look after those we’re making good progress at the other sites.”