Work has officially started on the £5.5 million refurbishment of the Treasury Building in Hull city centre, a project that will transform the four-storey structure into a modern workplace for up to 500 Hull City Council employees. The scheme, led by main contractor Hobson and Porter, is expected to be completed by next summer, with staff moving in from the Maritime Buildings on Alfred Gelder Street, which is set to close due to being no longer cost-effective.
Extensive Modernisation and Energy Efficiency
The renovation includes complete modernisation of the building, with replacement windows, a new heating and cooling system, energy-efficient lighting, and photovoltaic panels. Internal partition walls are being installed to create meeting rooms and private areas, and the external facade will also be enhanced. The project is partly financed by the government's Salix fund, which supports energy-efficient public sector schemes.
According to Hull Live, proposals for the renovation were initially announced in March 2025. The building, constructed in 1987, is located on Guildhall Road and sits within Hull's Old Town Conservation Area, adding to the project's significance.
Heritage and Future-Proofing
Wayne Cropp, contracts manager at Hobson and Porter, highlighted the evolution of construction standards since the building was erected. "Since the Treasury Building was built in 1987, modern construction standards and sustainability requirements have evolved considerably," he said. "This scheme is designed to respect the site's heritage and contribution to Hull's Old Town Conservation Area, whilst significantly transforming and future-proofing it for the next generation."
Cropp also noted the team's experience with nearby projects: "We now have a 30-strong team working on site, alongside our trusted local supply chain who are providing their expertise in a wide range of critical areas. This development also follows our successful restoration of the neighbouring Grade II* listed Guildhall, which we completed in 2023, so we're particularly pleased to be working on another landmark project in this part of the city."
Council's Carbon Neutral Goals
Cllr Sarita Robinson, portfolio holder for corporate services at Hull City Council, expressed satisfaction with the progress. "The council is delighted that work is well underway to transforming the Treasury Building," she said. "Not only does it bring back into use an empty building, but it is also being done so in an energy efficient way which will help to meet the council's carbon neutral ambitions."
Upon completion, the Treasury Building will house staff from the council's corporate, IT, and finance departments. The move from Maritime Buildings is part of a broader strategy to consolidate operations into more efficient and sustainable premises, reducing costs and environmental impact.
