Plans to turn listed building in Hull’s Old Town into 17 apartments submitted to council

Plans to turn a listed building in Hull’s Old Town into 17 apartments have been submitted to Hull City Council. If approved, the plans would see the former Burstalls Solicitors building on Lowgate being given a new lease of life.

The five-storey building would be converted into 15 one-bed apartments, 1 two-bed, and 1 three-bed. The Grade II listed building has sat vacant for over a year, submitted plans say.

Whilst no extensions are planned, the building would undergo a thorough refurbishment. The exterior would see “no visible impact”, whilst “internally the layout will be optimised for residential use, based upon national space standards,” plans say.

It is said the proposals would “deliver high-quality town centre living while preserving the architectural integrity of the building and retaining its contribution to the historic streetscape in this sensitive location.” It is argued the location would be ideal for residential use due to its proximity to local facilities. The site is close to shops, open green space (once Queen’s Garden opens), and is a short walk from Hull Paragon Interchange.

16 of the 17 flats would be accessed directly from Lowgate. The one remaining flat would be accessed from Exchange Lane, to the South of the site.

The plans say the building is “no longer tenable” as an office due to “a shift in the local economic landscape.” It is claimed that “despite efforts to maintain its operation, the premises have struggled to attract sufficient custom.”

The planning application, which was received by the council on February 16, will now be assessed. The application will either be decided on by the council’s planning department, or councillors on the planning committee if it is ‘called in’.