Fresh Plans to Demolish 'Unsightly' BHS Building as Albion Square Takes Shape
Hull City Council has unveiled fresh plans to demolish the former BHS building on King Edward Street, paving the way for the long-awaited Albion Square development to finally take shape. The prominent retail unit has stood vacant since the national collapse of BHS in 2016, and residents have long regarded the deteriorating structure as an eyesore in the heart of the city centre. Council officers presented updated proposals to the planning committee last week, confirming that demolition work could begin as early as the summer if approval is granted.
The Albion Square scheme is set to transform a sizeable stretch of the city centre into a vibrant mixed-use quarter. Plans include more than 150 new homes — a combination of apartments and townhouses — alongside ground-floor retail and leisure units designed to attract independent businesses. A new multi-storey car park with over 300 spaces will replace the ageing facility currently serving the area, whilst significant public realm improvements will introduce new green spaces, seating areas, and pedestrian-friendly routes linking the development to the wider shopping district.
A public consultation held earlier this year drew a strong response from local residents, with the majority expressing support for the regeneration plans. Several respondents raised concerns about construction disruption and the impact on nearby traders, but council leaders stressed that a phased approach would be adopted to minimise disturbance. The planning committee is expected to make a formal decision at its next scheduled meeting later this month.
If everything proceeds according to the current timeline, the council anticipates that the first phase of Albion Square — including the demolition, site clearance, and initial construction — will be completed by late 2028. The full development is projected to be finished by 2030, representing one of the most significant regeneration projects in Hull's recent history. Council officials have described the scheme as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the city centre for the better.