Wraps off at Hull’s historic Burton building
The scaffolding has come down on Wykeland’s restoration of the 1930s art deco building, which when complete will offer 12,700 sq ft of mixed-use space in the city centre.
The building has been empty since Burton’s owner, Arcadia Group, went into administration in 2020. It was designed by architect Henry Wilson in 1935, for founder of the Burton fashion brand Montagu Burton.
A retail or restaurant area on the ground floor will comprise 2,400 sq ft, with a 1,600 sq ft basement providing back-of-house space.
The first, second, and third floors will each have 2,500 sq ft and be used for office or commercial use.
Wykeland purchased the building in 2021 and in total has purchased nine properties between Whitefriargate and Alfred Gelder Street, including the former M&S and Littlewoods sites.
A key part of the restoration of Burton House is the replacement of the distinctive granite cladding, which has been sourced from the original quarry in Norway.
The art deco windows have been replaced, the original lift has been refurbished, and internal walls will be removed to create open plan areas.
Funding for the project was provided from the Levelling Up scheme (£750,000), and £450,000 was granted by Historic England.
Wykeland development director Jonathan Stubbs said: “As one of the best-known landmarks in Hull, we’ve approached this project with a great deal of care and sympathy.
“With the scaffolding now removed, and the restored exterior of the building revealed, people can envisage how Burton House will transform the entrance to Whitefriargate.”
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “For people visiting the city centre, it is a symbol of the wider regeneration of Hull which simply could not happen without companies like Wykeland.
“Hull City Council will continue to work closely with Wykeland on the broader rejuvenation of Whitefriargate, alongside other key sites in the city. Like everyone, I’m now excited to see the inside of Burton House take shape, ready for occupants to move in.”
