New sports and gaming venue wins council backing

The building in Market Place, Hull, was once home to an Argos store

A new sports and social venue in Hull city centre has received a £400,000 grant from Hull City Council.

Federation of Sport, in King William House, Market Place, is set to create about 44 jobs.

The development, which is expected to cost almost £2m, will include sports and gaming facilities and a bar and kitchen.

Garry Taylor, the council's assistant director of major projects, culture and place, said the building had seen "significant regeneration" and it was "pleasing to see another plan come to fruition".

The venue was previously home to a branch of Argos, which closed in 2017. More than 1,500sq m (16,000sq ft) of floor space will be brought back into use.

Federation of Sport is due to incorporate sports simulations, e-sports tournaments and social "match watching" into what its website describes as a "game-changing" hub.

Mr Taylor added: "City centre grants have unlocked so much potential for Hull and I’m delighted that the council has been able to provide further support.”

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