Hull: Supporting Businesses
Hull City Council, with the support of Historic England, has championed the regeneration of Hull’s medieval Old Town into a world-class visitor destination. Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) funded schemes have not only improved the built environment by restoring historic buildings and frontages but have also enabled a new approach to business growth. By creating multi-use offerings in refurbished buildings, the HAZ has created a diversified and enhanced visitor offer that is thriving in Whitefriargate, Hull.
55 Whitefriargate is led by the 55 Group, a collective of leading cross-industry businesses. The building is a prime example of how to provide high-tech commercial office and business spaces for a number of varied uses.
Following extensive conversion of this former Victorian bank, The 55 Group has created several shared workspaces, a home for Hotham’s Gin School and made the building a focal point with Bar@55 becoming the place to meet and socialise in Whitefriargate.
Historic England and the Humber High Street Challenge Fund helped identify, retain and repurpose over 120 building fabric items within and outside the building. This included repurposing the oak counter tellers into a bar area, turning the bullet proof glass into framed internal windows and retaining the vaults and vault doors to remain on view so that customers recognise their original purpose.
The 55 Group currently employ 83 staff across the technical, marketing, procurement and financial sector and have created an interesting environment for start-up businesses.
55 Whitefriargate has been brought back to life and is a real asset to Whitefriargate’s retail offer.
Jason Stapley
Chief Procurement Officer at The 55 Group
Another unit to be revitalised is 15 Whitefriargate. This historic building is now home to the Wrecking Ball Music & Books. As well as a café, book and record shop, it is also a cultural venue and community hub bringing music, poetry and performance to the heart of the Old Town.
High quality conversion of derelict residential units above shops on Whitefriargate are also supporting the aim to develop a vibrant new, local neighbourhood quarter for the Old Town mixing home life with work and leisure.
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Whitefriargate is a historic street in our city and has so much untapped potential. It is fantastic to see extra investment secured for this area so that we can see more of that potential realised. The HAZ programme of funding has provided a new lease of life to several previously empty or run-down buildings. It is genuinely encouraging to see new businesses opening and this part of the city centre slowly coming back to life.
Councillor Paul Drake Davis
portfolio for regeneration, Hull City Council
It is clear to see the associated value of enhancing heritage assets for housing and commercial use. By encouraging independent businesses in our town and city centres, areas are known to be more resilient to fluctuations in the national economy, which supports and potentially safeguards people's livelihoods. The ambitious plans have also contributed to £24m in public funding being leveraged to support ongoing work in Hull.
