The Victoria Dock Offices, one of Hull’s most recognisable waterfront properties, has been acquired by the property group PIP to be transformed into six luxury apartments.
Standing on the corner of Plimsoll Way and South Bridge Road, the building overlooks Hull’s Humber Basin, offering panoramic views of the marina and the city’s Old Town. The three-storey property, known for its distinctive lighthouse-style turret and maritime architecture, has long been a familiar sight to residents and visitors alike.
Now, under the vision of PIP Group founder and managing director Arv Soar, the Victoria Dock Offices are set for a new chapter. The company plans to convert the structure into six bespoke homes – three two-bedroom and three one-bedroom apartments – combining the charm of a heritage building with contemporary design and modern amenities.
“The acquisition of the Victoria Dock Offices is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a building that holds both historical and architectural significance,” said Soar. “Hull is a city undergoing significant regeneration, and we are thrilled to be part of its continued growth. Our vision is to create high-quality, modern living spaces that retain the character of this beautiful landmark while offering residents a contemporary lifestyle and exceptional views of the Humber Basin.”
For Soar, this project is another milestone in a career defined by turning potential into performance. The Nottingham-born property entrepreneur began his journey as a teenager, managing his father’s small property portfolio while studying at university. After successfully purchasing and letting his first property in Nottingham, he realised he had found his calling.
Since then, Soar has spent over two decades building a multimillion-pound portfolio, investing in regeneration zones across the North and Midlands, and revitalising underused buildings into high-yield, high-quality homes. Today, he oversees multiple multi million pound properties, spanning city-centre apartments, HMOs, and large-scale residential redevelopments.
Founded to help investors replicate Soar’s success, Property Investment Portfolio (PIP) has evolved into one of the UK’s most dynamic independent property investment firms. Operating from offices in Nottingham and Hull, PIP has become known for its hands-on approach – managing projects from acquisition to completion, with a dedicated refurbishment and management team.
The firm’s strategy focuses on transforming underutilised and overlooked properties into profitable assets. In recent years, PIP has delivered luxury apartment schemes in Derby and Nottingham, with several new developments in the pipeline across the country.
Alongside refurbishments, the company’s new-build arm is expanding rapidly, reflecting the growing demand for stylish urban living spaces outside London. Soar’s approach combines commercial discipline with a genuine passion for urban renewal – breathing new life into cities while offering investors and residents exceptional value.
Soar’s success and experience have not gone unnoticed. He has become a regular voice in leading property publications such as Sold Out, Hot Property, and Residential Property Investor. His insights have also featured in national outlets including The Sunday Times and The Independent. Television audiences may recognise him from appearances on BBC1’s “Buy It, Sell It, Bank It,” “Property Kings,” and “The Great British Property Review.”
Through PIP Group, Soar has built a reputation for helping investors grow sustainable portfolios through careful strategy, local expertise, and a focus on regeneration. The company currently manages investment opportunities in Nottingham, Derby, Doncaster, Mansfield, and Hull, and even operates a “fly to buy” service for overseas investors entering the UK property market.
For Hull, the redevelopment of the Victoria Dock Offices is another step in the city’s transformation. The building, which once symbolised the city’s maritime heritage, will soon offer a new kind of waterfront living – one that combines history, craftsmanship, and contemporary comfort.
“This is about respecting the past while embracing the future,” said Soar. “We want to preserve the spirit of this building and give it a new purpose for generations to come.”
With work set to begin later this year, PIP Group’s restoration of the Victoria Dock Offices promises to deliver not only luxury homes but also a striking example of how historic architecture can find new life in modern cities.
