Arco 'reviewing options' for Blackfriargate office

Arco is reviewing the future of its headquarters in Hull city centre under proposals to move staff to a single site at Priory Park.

The firm, which supplies safety equipment and workwear, said it was conducting a strategic review and considering options for the purpose-built offices in Blackfriargate, which opened in 2021.

Arco already has a national distribution centre and other facilities in Henry Boot Way, Priory Park.

A spokesperson said: "The consolidation of its Hull-based teams into one central location would further enhance the existing national distribution centre site and create a dynamic environment for collaboration and growth."

When asked by the BBC what would happen to Arco's building in the Fruit Market area, the company said: "We're still considering our options at this stage".

Arco said its Blackfriargate head office houses about 300 employees, but added it was "designed for the pre-Covid world" when hybrid work patterns were not in place.

The building, which cost £16m to build, has five floors and 60,000sq ft of space.

The company added it had "no plans to reduce headcount".

The spokesperson said: "We're in our third consecutive year of investment and plan to develop our national distribution centre in nearby Henry Boot Way to move all our Blackfriargate colleagues to this facility as part of these developments.

"We look forward to welcoming them to their new home."

Arco said it remained deeply committed to Hull.

The spokesperson added: "All strategic options are now under review and investments will be scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, all of which reinforces Arco's commitment to customer-centricity and continued industry leadership."

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