Hull Paragon Interchange is set to undergo a significant transformation as Hull City Council announces a £315,000 grant to Hull Tap Ltd for the conversion of the station’s former ticket office and hall into a high-quality bar. This initiative is part of a broader city centre regeneration strategy aimed at revitalizing unused spaces and boosting local employment.
The former ticket office, currently occupied by WHSmith, and the adjacent vacant ticket hall will be repurposed to house the new bar. Plans include installing leather and hardwood fixed seating for approximately 150 customers and constructing a new bar counter within the old ticket office. The refurbishment will respect the heritage and listed status of the building, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved.
Hull Tap Ltd’s project will bring back into use 600 square meters of previously unused floor space and is expected to create 15 full-time equivalent jobs. The bar will operate under the name Thornbridge And Co, adding a new social venue to the station’s offerings.
To facilitate the transformation, WHSmith will relocate to a vacant unit on the opposite side of the station’s concourse, next to Costa Coffee. The council has allocated £146,250 in government funding to support this move, ensuring the retailer’s continued presence in the city centre and safeguarding existing jobs.
In addition to the bar and WHSmith relocation, national supermarket chain Morrisons has submitted plans to open a Morrisons Daily store in a currently vacant unit next to Starbucks within the station. These developments are part of a concerted effort to enhance the station’s amenities and appeal to both commuters and visitors.
The funding for these projects comes from a government-backed city centre grants scheme established in 2021. To date, the scheme has awarded over £9 million in grants, leading to the creation of nearly 900 full-time equivalent jobs, the repurposing of more than 18,000 square meters of vacant floor space, and the improvement or restoration of 14 heritage buildings.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, stated: “These awards are another great example of the potential that the city centre grant scheme can unlock. The former ticket office has stood vacant for many years, almost a decade, so it is pleasing that a large unit will be occupied thanks to grant funding.”
The transformation of Hull Paragon Interchange’s former ticket office into a bar, along with the relocation of WHSmith and the potential addition of a Morrisons Daily store, signifies a proactive approach by Hull City Council to revitalize the city centre. By repurposing underutilized spaces and supporting local businesses, the council aims to create a more vibrant and economically robust urban environment.