Two-year deadline for mill project to start
DEVELOPERS behind an ambitious £100m city centre complex have been given a two-year deadline to start work on the scheme.
Normally, new developments are given the go-ahead on a three-year condition.
But the move to set a shorter time-limit on the Manor Mill development comes amid concerns over other stalled projects in the city centre.
The two-year consent was one of several conditions attached to the decision of Hull City Council's planning committee to grant permission.
Earmarked to replace the derelict Clarence Mill next to Drypool Bridge, the scheme includes what will be the tallest building in the city centre in the shape of a 23-storey mainly residential tower block.
It will also feature a 185-bed hotel, a casino, four new restaurants, a convenience store and a 590-bed student accommodation complex.
Committee chairman Councillor John Fareham said actual work on the ground had yet to start on a third of all schemes approved within the city centre over the past three years.
"I am concerned about the level of permissions we have given in the city centre that have not been taken up.
"The city centre is meant to be the jewel in our crown and I am keen not to give another permission only for nothing to happen.
"This is a key site and requiring the development to begin within two years is perfectly reasonable."
Cllr Fareham said he was reassured by claims by developer Philip Akrill that the Manor Mill development was ready to roll.
"We have heard it is fully funded and part-let. On that basis we should be reasonably confident the two-year condition is achievable."
Alex Codd, the council's planning manager, said: "We are not saying the scheme should be completed in two years.
"More time could be given if the developer encounters problems, but it is an indication of how important we believe it is for a start to be made on the site."
Mr Akrill said the development already had secure private funding via a bank and a separate investment trust.
He also confirmed two separate international operators were lined up to run the hotel and casino.
6 Comments
by Paul S, Hull
Friday, November 07 2008, 6:53PM
“Looks like this development is aimed at hungry students who like a flutter but don't want to travek for a carton of milk - and who are prepared to wait! I'm sure there are plenty of them in Hull.”
by Tom, Willerby
Friday, November 07 2008, 6:45PM
“As ever with this Town, the timing is exceptional. Whatever the merits of the project, I hope people do not hold their breath. Took the best part of the twenty odd years I have lived here, for the Interchange/Ferensway project to happen. And that project WAS a necessity and of strategic importance never mind lifestyle wishes.”
by Kev, Hull
Friday, November 07 2008, 1:46PM
“I think Planning turned this down twice, a case of keep putting the plans in until they get a yes!!!!
I think it's going to be a waste of time. More buy to lets for southern investors, a casino for a town that doesn't have the income to gamble and student flats for a university miles away.
Not so sure this scheme compliments anything in the city center. Look at Leeds, Flats everywhere and loads stood empty.
But hey, what does it matter, the council will do what they like, a little bit like the government.”
by non gambler, Hull
Friday, November 07 2008, 12:59PM
“What is the obsession in this town to have casino's ? we already have one to my knowledge , next we'll have to build a rehab centre for hooked gamblers ,dont do it !”
by mike, hull
Friday, November 07 2008, 11:56AM
“Why are there so many sites in Hull awaiting develoment to start. The City id looking very scruffy and with more and more people coming to the City through our Sporting success, Hull City, the 2 Rugby Teams and even the Ice Hockey attracts people from out of town. The people coming in must think what a dump, get the development underway as this maybe a chance missed”
by MG, Hull CC
Friday, November 07 2008, 11:06AM
“This development was blocked by the council originally, and I don't see that much, if anything, has changed. The developers have included some 'must haves' to help push this through, but I don't think they will bring anything to the area. Why include a new hotel when one is being built at Myton Bridge? Why include a casino when there is one less than 1 mile away, and where are 590 students coming from - certainly not Hull University. Although I am keen to see this area developed, surely there is better use of this space.”