Armed Forces charity finds ‘perfect fit’ with new base

An Armed Forces charity is set to expand into new premises at a Grade II-listed building in Hull city centre.

Hull 4 Heroes has agreed a lease on more than 5600sq ft of ground-floor office space at King’s Buildings, opposite Hull Minster in South Church Side.

The move will see the charity relocate from its current base at Princes Quay Shopping Centre, providing additional space to support its growing services.

Founded in Hull, Hull 4 Heroes supports veterans, serving personnel and their families through housing, wellbeing, employment, education and crisis support.

Its expansion follows the award of a Government contract to extend services across northern Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

The charity is now seeking support from local businesses and tradespeople to help prepare the premises ahead of a planned move in early 2027.

Founder and chief executive Paul Matson said: “We’re thrilled to be moving into such a historic building in a beautiful part of our city, and I believe it will be an ideal and apt new home for us, given its called the King’s Building, and we support those who serve King and country.

“Given the significant contract we secured earlier this year to extend our services, we needed somewhere where we can further grow as a charity, and King’s Buildings will certainly allow us to do that.

“I have to say, Princes Quay have been fantastic with us and a huge support, but we had to take this opportunity to secure what I am sure will become our recognised home, directly opposite Hull Minster.

“It’s an ideal location.”

King’s Buildings was acquired by Lucava Developments Limited, led by Hull businessman Paul Luen, in 2020.

The upper three floors were subsequently converted into 24 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with the restoration receiving recognition from Hull Civic Society.

Hull 4 Heroes will occupy the building’s remaining commercial space, which also provides access to communal gym and recreational facilities.

Paul added: “When we set out to create this Grade A office space in King’s Buildings, I wanted it to become the home for a company or organisation that had close links to Hull and was part of the city’s fabric.

“I also always wanted it to be home to a single organisation, which was a challenge given the size of the space.

“We had interest from health and wellbeing organisations, dental practices and legal firms, but the size narrowed the market.

“When Hull 4 Heroes showed interest, it seemed the perfect fit.

“It is a fantastic charity which does some wonderful work and is a charity Hull can be proud of.”

Paul praised the support of Hull City Council, which provided Levelling Up funding to help refurbish the ground floor space to a high specification.

He added: “I had excellent support from the council, and that support has in turn enabled me to be helpful and flexible in the terms agreed with Hull 4 Heroes.

“I hope it becomes a long-term home for the charity now, and one from which it can continue to succeed and grow its work,

“The apartments have been a huge success and are always at a high occupancy level, always letting very quickly when they become available.

“I think it’s an example of how we can look to raise levels in Hull and raise the bar.

“I think it’s a project Hull can be very proud of.”

The lease was secured with support from commercial property agency Garness Jones and law firms Wilkin Chapman and Rollits, alongside Lucava Developments.

Paul White, director of Garness Jones, which was involved in the sale of King’s Buildings to Paul in 2020, added: “We’re thrilled to have been part of the journey of the transformation of this historic city building over the past few years, from its redevelopment through to now providing a home for Hull 4 Heroes, a fantastic local charity.

“It has been a great story showcasing what can be achieved in a city when people come together to recognise the potential of investing back into an historic asset, breathing new life into it and giving it a whole new future.”

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