University of Hull announces plans to sell 200-year-old hall of residence

The University of Hull has announced plans to sell the former hall of residence, Thwaite Hall.

The hall, which is over 200-years-old, is situated on the corner of Thwaite Street and New Village Road in Cottingham.

The property was closed as a hall of residence in August 2017 in response to changes in students’ accommodation preferences.

Stephen Dale, director of estates at the University of Hull, said: “Accommodation is a deciding factor for many when choosing where to study and the University has experienced a shift in demand toward high-quality, on-campus accommodation.

“We have been investing in our accommodation portfolio as part of our on-going commitment to provide an outstanding experience for students, which includes The Courtyard and Westfield Court on our Cottingham Road campus.”

The University has appointed commercial estate agent Cushman & Wakefield to handle the sale.

Stephen continued: “Although the University no longer has a use for the building, we are keen to see a long term plan for its future be put in place and have been working closely with the local authority planning department to discuss the potential future use of the site.”

Oliver Salisbury, senior surveyor in Cushman & Wakefield’s residential development team, added: “Thwaite Hall presents a rare and exciting opportunity to revitalise a high-profile building within a popular village location.

“Discussions with the local authority have been positive and indicate that a number of uses are considered appropriate, subject to a high quality design which takes into account the conservation area setting and adjoining Grade II listed botanical gardens.

“We look forward to engaging with parties and maximising the site’s future potential.”

The nature and extent of work carried out on the site will be determined by the eventual purchaser and their intended use for the building. Any proposal would be subject to relevant planning processes and legislation.

The University will continue working to ensure the site is secure until a purchaser is found.

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