HULL CITY HALL OPTIONS APPRAISAL & LEVELLING UP BID

HULL CITY COUNCIL

BACKGROUND

d3assocates was commissioned by Hull City Council to prepare an options appraisal for the restoration and redevelopment for the Grade 2* listed Hull City Hall. Located in the city centre, the building was designed by Hull’s City Architect Joseph Hirst in a Baroque Revival style.

Our Options Appraisal needed to take into account current challenges of operation which were a direct result of the physical layout and location of the building. It also needed to consider accessibility issues, which directly impacted on the general public, touring companies and the programme of events.

OUTCOME

The options included opening up the ground floor and basement to create a community music rehearsal space, café spaces, flexible multi-use spaces, storage and a new box office. A flexible new stage was considered with the capacity to be of variable height with ramping to allow access for wheelchair users from the auditorium and backstage, along with new seating for the auditorium.

The D3A team produced designs for upgrading the building and advised on mechanical and electrical issues, acoustics and energy improvements. Preparatory options were also included to enable the Hall to eventually take advantage of being heated via connection to the proposed Hull District Heat Network.

The Options Appraisal provided possibilities for an imaginative adaptation and creative re-purposing of the Grade 2* listed building, to create a community music hub, integrating new multi-use spaces, heating, lighting and services strategies for operation.

The project, part of a £20M Levelling Up Fund bid by Hull City Council, included designs and recommendations for refurbishment and alterations to provide the building with a sustainable future. It also helped meet City Cultural Strategy ambitions increasing the range and quality of arts & cultural product and visitor footfall in the City Centre area.