Beverley firms are transforming the birthplace of Hull industrialist and film maker, J. Arthur Rank whose family went on to develop Pinewood Studios, Rank Film Corporation and Odeon Cinemas.
Phil Jenkinson from PJPS Construction won the tender in December and is once again working alongside Delaney Marling Partnership, Chartered Surveyors and Ettridge Architecture to return this house to its former glory on behalf of their client, Probe (Hull) Limited, the not-for-profit company responsible for restoring derelict properties in Hull.
The restoration of 371 Holderness Road will see it become four apartments, available for rent, on the affordable housing market in April 2015 and plans are to sympathetically restore the building which had been boarded up for a number of years and subjected to vandalism it had become a blight on the local community.
The house is the centre of media hype and interest due to its cultural connection as the birthplace of the Rank family organisation which grew to dominate British film production in the 40s and 50s.
Project Manager, Simon Delaney from Delaney Marling Partnership in Beverley says:
“This property has tested every aspect of the building process with Japanese Knotweed, rats, pigeons and the social problems of unwanted residents.”
“Throughout, Probe has consulted with the Rank Foundation and by working together we will all ensure the key features are kept to retain its heritage.”
“We are pleased that PJPS Construction won the tender. This is a business in its infancy but the director, Phil Jenkinson has already proven his worth, after the successful completion of Lion House in West Hull where he came in on time and slightly under budget. Working with this highly skilled team of professionals I am confident the Rank House project will run just as smoothly.”
Steve Alltoft, general manager of Probe (Hull) Limited says:
“With approximately 9,000 applicants awaiting suitable accommodation, high unemployment and a major skills shortage in Hull, Probe is responding to these issues in the city.”
“Mr J. Arthur Rank was granted Freedom of the City in 1935, he had lived his life as a devout Methodist, and spent much of his income on helping the poor. I am very proud to see this legacy continue as his birthplace is returned to the affordable housing market. I am certain this would have made him very happy to know his own home is giving back to the local community.”
“The exhibition of J. Arthur Rank’s life at the Street Life Museum tells a story of his life and we are now delighted to become part of Hull’s rich history, a great position to be in for Hull City of Culture 2017, we will continue to put Hull on the map in his honour.”
