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 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 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.
The restoration has created a light, airy and open feel throughout Castle Buildings, with level access at the rear and lift access to all floors. A single storey extension has also been introduced, to enable the installation of accessible toilets and additional services.
As the project nears completion with public realm works surrounding Castle Buildings now taking place, Wykeland has welcomed in members of the business community and public to explore the newly-renovated landmark, becoming the first visitors in decades.
Kathryn Shillito, Executive Director of HullBID (Business Improvement District), 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.”
Alex Codd, Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration at Hull City Council, added: “This area is key to creating a positive first impression for people visiting, investing in and spending money in the city, and the restoration of Castle Buildings is essential to unlocking further regeneration.
“It’s clear to see the levels of investment and quality Wykeland has put into bringing these buildings back to life and great to see so much of the heritage and character retained.
“This project demonstrates the value of the council working closely with the private sector to deliver vital regeneration while conserving Hull’s history and heritage.”
The renovation provides a unique opportunity for a business, or businesses, to move into a statement building which has played an important role in Hull’s commercial history.
Castle Buildings is 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.
Commercial property development and investment business Wykeland has a wealth of experience delivering outstanding regeneration projects, including transforming Hull’s former Burton building.
Now renamed Burton House, the rejuvenation of the Grade II-listed building has saved the 1930s art deco landmark from the brink of dereliction, so that it can once again become a thriving commercial space in the heart of the city centre.
Wykeland worked with a number of partners based in the region to deliver the Castle Buildings project.
Hull-based Voase Builders carried out the restoration of Castle Buildings and the rebuilding of the Earl de Grey, while Hessle-based LHL Group acted as the employer’s agent for Wykeland, supporting the management and delivery of the project.
Grimsby-based ID Architecture supported the project through a variety of services – from concept and detailed design, to acting as Wykeland’s planning agent and coordinating technical information from consultants.
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.
