Hull's Three Ships mural to be demolished after survey reveals high levels of asbestos

The Three Ships mural in Hull city centre will be demolished, the council has confirmed after high levels of asbestos were found following a specialist survey.

The huge 1960's mosaic by Alan Boyson's which stands on the front of the former BHS store is made up of hundreds of coloured glass cubes.

The council had intended to try to keep the mural as part of the Albion Square redevelopment and is said to be disappointed over the findings.

The survey, produced by specialist national asbestos testing company The Testing Lab, has found that the development is “heavily contaminated” with a high-risk asbestos product, which is also evident in the core structure of the building.

A report was due to be presented to Cabinet that would have explored ways of temporally removing the mural whilst demolition of the site took place. These options cannot now be considered due to the survey results.

Councillor Hale added: "As disappointed as we are that we cannot retain the mural, we are more determined than ever that a version of this iconic Alan Boyson design will feature as part of this incredible city centre development.

"We will be working with artists to explore ways in which the Three Ships design can be reproduced, and remain an iconic feature of the city centre.”