Blackfriargate

The site forms part of Hull’s Fruit Market, an area that has undergone significant transformation from its industrial and dockside origins into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood. Located at Blackfriargate, the development sits within a wider regeneration framework that has introduced new homes, workplaces, cultural venues and public spaces, creating a vibrant extension to the city centre.

Arco’s previous headquarters, occupied for more than 60 years, were acquired to facilitate the A63 Castle Street improvement works. This created the opportunity to establish a new headquarters within the Fruit Market, maintaining the company’s strong connection to Hull while supporting the ongoing regeneration of the area. The site was assembled through collaboration between Wykeland Beal and Hull City Council, enabling a comprehensive redevelopment aligned with the wider masterplan vision.

The design is centred on creating a flexible and future-focused workplace that supports collaboration, wellbeing and changing patterns of work. Organised around efficient and adaptable floorplates, the building is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the business while providing high-quality working environments for staff and visitors.

The building form and orientation have been carefully considered to maximise natural daylight and views across the waterfront setting, creating a strong connection to the surrounding context. A brise soleil system moderates solar gain and contributes to occupant comfort, while raised access floors provide flexibility for future adaptation. Inclusive design principles are embedded throughout, ensuring the building is accessible, welcoming and intuitive for all users.

The scheme responds to the need to relocate Arco’s headquarters while maintaining a strong presence within Hull city centre. The ambition extended beyond replacement, creating a contemporary workplace that reflects Arco’s continued evolution while contributing to the wider regeneration of the Fruit Market.

Carefully integrated within the emerging masterplan, the development responds to the surrounding streets, public realm and waterfront setting. The building form and orientation maximise views towards the Humber and key landmarks, including The Deep, while creating an engaging presence within the neighbourhood. A considered material palette and façade treatment establish a strong relationship between the office building and multi-storey car park, creating a cohesive architectural identity that reinforces the character of the wider development. Together, the new headquarters and supporting infrastructure strengthen the Fruit Market as a destination for work, leisure and city-centre living.

The scheme required careful coordination due to site constraints, including proximity to live highways and an operational substation. Protective measures and phased construction ensured safe delivery. A flexible and collaborative approach to client-led changes during construction was key to maintaining programme certainty and design quality. 

The project was developed through a close partnership between Arco, Wykeland Beal, Hull City Council and the wider consultant team, bringing together a shared ambition to deliver a high-quality headquarters within the evolving Fruit Market neighbourhood. We worked collaboratively across all stages of the project, the team balanced the operational requirements of a major business relocation with the wider aspirations of the regeneration programme. Ongoing engagement with planning officers, technical consultees and project stakeholders helped ensure the development responded positively to its context while supporting the delivery of the A63 infrastructure improvements and the wider vision for the area.