ONE of Hull's most unusual landmarks is set to go under the hammer.
With its sloping roof and array of mini-wind turbines, the Arc design centre cost £750,000 to construct.
Aimed at showcasing design and architectural innovation as an exhibition facility and outreach project, it occupies a prominent city centre site next to Castle Street, near Hull Marina.
Constructed from five upturned caravans, it was officially known as the Humber Centre for Excellence in the Built Environment.
But the charity behind it has been forced to close because of a lack of funding.
Now the award-winning building, together with its eco-friendly features, is being offered for sale at an auction in Hull next month.
Ian Brown, chairman of trustees behind the centre, said the decision to close had been taken "with deep regret".
He said: "The organisation has been unable to secure funding to allow it to continue to operate, and the company will shortly be officially wound up.
"Since 2003, Arc has successfully promoted place- making through original, creative and educational projects focusing on architecture and the built environment.
"We have had the pleasure of working with a number of regional, national and international partners including architects, artists, schools, local authorities and the Architecture Centre Network.
"We have also benefited from the support of our staff, trustees, volunteers and large membership.
"I would like to thank all of these people for their participation in and advocacy of Arc's work."
The complete building, along with its 16 wind turbines, 24 solar panels and biomass boiler, will go under the hammer at Hull auctioneers Gilbert Baitson on Wednesday, May 8.
Director Andrew Baitson said: "The building was designed to be mobile and we will be looking for a buyer who would be able to relocate it.
"It is designed as a kit of parts, similar to Meccano and The Pompidou Centre in Paris, and can be disassembled and rebuilt on a different site, possibly in a different configuration.
"The building was constructed off site and brought to site in sections on the back of a lorry."
The centre has enjoyed a mixed history since opening in 2006.
Originally aimed at forming part of a national network of similar centres, it was championed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.
The Hull project attracted support from Hull City and East Riding councils as well as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the now defunct Government-funded Gateway regeneration programme.
London architect Neil McLaughlin won awards for his design for the centre, which was based on recycling materials with a common link to Hull and the surrounding area.
However, a leaking roof prompted a six-month closure just two years after it opened, while ambitious proposals to project moving images on the roof never got off the drawing board.
An increasing squeeze on funding caused by the economic downturn has limited its work in recent years.
