Fresh Plans to Demolish 'Unsightly' BHS Building as Albion Square Takes Shape
Hull City Council has approved fresh plans to demolish the former BHS building on Ferensway as part of the ambitious Albion Square regeneration project.
The building, which has stood empty since BHS closed its doors in 2016, has long been considered an eyesore in one of the city's most prominent locations. Planning documents describe it as "unsightly" and "no longer fit for purpose."
What's Planned
The demolition will make way for a mixed-use development featuring:
- Around 150 new homes, including affordable housing
- Ground-floor retail units designed to attract independent businesses
- Public green space connecting Ferensway to the new Albion Square plaza
- Improved pedestrian routes through the city centre
Timeline
Work is expected to begin in late spring 2026, with demolition taking approximately three months. The wider Albion Square development, which includes new council offices and a multi-storey car park, is already well underway.
Community Response
Local business owners have largely welcomed the plans. "It's been an eyesore for years," said one Ferensway trader. "Anything that brings more footfall to this end of town is good news."
Hull City Council leader Councillor Mike Ross said: "This is another significant step forward for Albion Square and for the regeneration of Hull city centre. We're creating a modern, attractive space that Hull can be proud of."
The project is part of a wider £130 million investment in Hull's city centre infrastructure.