Safety giant Arco’s head office has been handed over to help deliver the £355 million A63 improvements in Hull - as final touches are made to the state-of-the-art new Fruit Market home.
The Waverley Street headquarters has been bought by the city council as part of the huge upgrade, after the scheme was flagged as troublesome for the business when it came to access.
And with Highways England requiring a compound close to the key Mytongate junction, a solution that suits all parties was found - with demolition now underway - keeping the alternative area around Bonus Arena free.
Home to Arco for more than 60 years, with the business part of the city’s fabric since 1893, it is now preparing for life in the biggest office development in 50 years, having added substantial capacity to its Hessle national distribution centre too.
Together they represent investments of more than £45 million.
David Evison, managing director of Arco, said: ‘We're pleased to be able to support a project that will bring so many benefits to Hull. The A63 development will be safer, alleviate congestion and improve access between the city centre and the docks.
“Our new head office will support the regeneration of Hull's Fruit Market, ensuring the city remains vibrant and commercially successful, whilst creating a great working environment for our colleagues.
“This is yet another demonstration of our commitment to the city and is part of a significant investment plan to support the growth of our business, which includes the recent extension of our distribution centre and investment in digital capability.”
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It comes as fellow Hull family business giant JR Rix and Sons has just revealed it is moving its headquarters to the Fruit Market area too, having bought Two Humber Quays in a deal that will see it become part occupier and landlord.
Hull City Council has leased the Waverley Street site to Highways England for the duration of the project, finally approved in June 2020. Balfour Beatty, principal contractor, will be responsible for coordination of the demolition work, with Patrington’s Expotrak appointed for the anticipated six-week task.
Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “There are many benefits to the scheme for people who live and work in Hull; relieving congestion, access to the port and road safety. We’re happy that the site chosen allows the regenerated area around the Bonus Arena to remain untouched.”
It is not the first purchase as part of the huge scheme, with Bradbury House bought by the city to compensate for the loss of the Myton Centre as part of the works - with a 400m underpass to alleviate congestion for some 47,000 daily users.
James Leeming, senior project manager at Highways England, said: ‘I’m delighted that for this part of the project we’ve found a solution that supports the regeneration of the Fruit Market and preserves Arco’s well-established ties to Hull.
“The Castle Street scheme will usher in an exciting new era for Hull, creating a much better connection between the city centre and the retail and docks area. These improvements will make life considerably easier for road users and pedestrians.”
The five-storey complex on Fruit Market will welcome 600 Arco employees, most currently working from home. The business has already moved its retail store to Liverpool Street and its hose division to a new £2 million purpose-built facility near the distribution centre.
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Will Neaves, Balfour Beatty project director, said: "Since early 2020, we have been working with Arco to finalise the demolition of its remaining headquarters in Hull, and to progress Highways England’s A63 Castle Street project, which, on completion will help improve access between Hull City Centre and the retail and docks area.
"We are pleased to have reached this milestone with Arco and Highways England and are proud to support a project that will shape the future of Hull."