During the early 1900s the store had become a prime spot for shoppers, but as a result of a bomb dropped from a First World War Zeppelin in 1915, the shop was completely destroyed.
[9] Recently, some members of the Hull City Council have expressed an interest in building a 5,000 seat ice arena on the site, at a cost of up to £7 million.
Whilst the idea of a swimming pool was scrapped[13] it is hoped that a new purpose built ice arena at the site will still go-ahead.
In July 2015, a group of historians including members of the Hull Civic Society, toured the interior of the building, however it was found to be completely ruined inside.
[14] On 20 July 2016, the owners of the former department store confirmed that they were revisiting plans to turn it into accommodation, citing 'improving market conditions' as a result of the impending UK City of Culture celebrations in 2017.