Historical pub to become charity hub and offices

A historical pub that was knocked down and rebuilt because of the widening of the A63 in Hull, will no longer be used as a hospitality venue.

Developers of the Castle Buildings regeneration project told a council planning committee meeting that, despite a considerable rebuild of the Earl de Grey, there had been "no interest whatsoever" in reopening it as a pub, cafe or restaurant.

Instead, the building will be used as offices and a community hub by the charity HEY Smile Foundation, developers Wykeland Group said.

The Grade II listed pub was originally built in1831, about 100ft (30m) away from its present site, and used to be popular with people who worked at the docks.

In 2020, the pub, including its tiled exterior, was deconstructed, as it had to be moved because of the redevelopment of the A63 Castle Street, which included widening of the road and a new underpass.

Work started to reconstruct the building in 2024.

Plans for the Castle Buildings redevelopment, including a new hotel and the restoration of former shipping offices, were first submitted in March 2019 and approved by Hull City Council later that year.

Revised plans were submitted earlier this year and approved at a meeting on Wednesday, where councillors heard the hotel would be operated under Marriott's Moxy brand.

Jonathan Stubbs, Wykeland group development director, told the meeting: "The new planning policy framework strengthens the case for the development.

"It provides an economic benefit and stimulus, it will support Hull's visitor and leisure economy, and has absolute support from the nearby arena."

Liberal Democrat councillor Tracey Henry said: "The Earl de Grey is a long part of my history. I am disappointed it couldn't be turned into a pub.

"But the reality is that the industry is just not there, at present.

"I'm quite happy with the variation, maybe it could become a pub later down the line if it doesn't just stick to being offices."

Hull City Council's legal team and highways department had no objections to the revised plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices