Allenby Commercial acquires landmark city centre sites

Andrew Allenby, Managing Director of Allenby Commercial, with Associate Directors Andy Hayton (left) and James Joannou.

HULL-BASED property developer Allenby Commercial has added to its portfolio of prominent city centre sites with the acquisition of two landmark properties.

The company, based at Alfred Gelder Street, has completed the purchase of Europa House, the distinctive, gold-clad office block on the corner of Anlaby Road and Ferensway, in addition to the Old Town’s former Jobcentre next to Hull Minster on South Church Side. Allenby Commercial plan to carry out major refurbishments of both properties to bring Grade A offices to the city centre.

Directly next to the Paragon Interchange, Europa House offers 50,000 square feet of space across six floors.

James Joannou, Associate Director of Allenby Commercial, said: “The acquisition of Europa House sees one of the most iconic buildings in Hull return to experienced, local hands with the best interests of the city in mind. The full potential of the site has never really been realised and in the long history of Europa House, dating back to 1975, it has never been fully occupied.

In turn, the former Jobcentre will provide offices ranging from 1,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet in the bustling Old Town.

James said: “South Church Side is a great site next to Hull Minster and Trinity Square. As numerous city centre office blocks are being converted to residential apartment schemes, we remain determined to see city assets such as this remain for the purpose of job creation and employment for Hull.”

Already available to let, Allenby Commercial is welcoming new tenants into the creative studios at Danish Buildings, an historic property on High Street, Hull, which has undergone a dramatic revamp.

The company is also progressing with a major refurbishment programme at WORX, the office development on Beverley Road chosen earlier this year by Arco for a customer engagement centre with nearly 200 jobs. Allenby Commercial are also bucking the retail trend with Paragon Arcade, attracting independent retailers into the traditional Victorian-style environment offering events and an up and coming, alternative retail vibe. Full details can be found on the company’s new website at www.allenbycommercial.co.uk and through its social media output on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Adding Europa House and the former Jobcentre to the Allenby Commercial portfolio, James said: “We see these two acquisitions as integral in generating employment within Hull city centre, and reversing the trend of businesses relocating outside the city boundaries. Large floor plates, delivered to a high specification and incorporating city centre parking, are absolutely key to keeping businesses and jobs within Hull.

“We look forward to working with Hull City Council and a host of businesses that have expressed early interest in both sites, to see them appropriately developed and occupied again.”