Hull City Council has welcomed the news that Hull Paragon Interchange has been crowned Large Station of the Year at the National Rail Awards.
Often referred to as the “Railway Oscars,” the award was presented at a ceremony in London where the judges praised the station’s transformation in recent years, which have helped make it not just a transport gateway, but a landmark the city can be proud of.
The railway station is operated by TransPennine Express (TPE) and was commended for its striking artwork, colourful planters, banners and storyboards that showcase the city’s character. In addition, recent upgrades have been made to the toilet and waiting room facilities.
The station’s multi-agency safeguarding hub – described as the “cherry on top” – was also highlighted as a model of how stations can play a vital role in supporting their communities and addressing issues of anti-social behaviour.
Ben Courtney, stakeholder and development manager and former station manager for Hull, Brough and Selby, who was closely involved in the station’s redevelopment, said the recognition was richly deserved.
He said: “Hull proudly stands as the largest integrated rail and bus interchange in the North and is a station we can all be proud of,” he said.
“This award reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of colleagues, partners and the local community who have transformed Hull Paragon into a safer, more welcoming and vibrant place.”
Beyond the investment in the rail-side, the council has also awarded funding to regenerate the building further by expanding its retail and leisure offer. This has seen WHSmith relocate to a vacant unit next to Costa Coffee to allow the former ticket office and hall to be converted into the Hull Tap.
The ticket hall, which is currently vacant, will feature leather and hardwood fixed seating for around 150 customers, whilst a new bar counter will be built in the former ticket office. Refurbishment works will be carried out in keeping with the former ticket hall’s heritage, as well as taking into consideration to ticket office’s listed status.
Funding comes from the Government-backed city centre grants scheme which would see Hull Tap bring back into use 600sqm of unused floor space and create 15 full-time equivalent jobs.
Through the Hull Bus Alliance, the council is also continuing to invest in the bus-side of the interchange – with new laser door sensors having gone in and plans being progressed to resurface the bus bays and upgrade the real-time bus information displays.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “We’d like to congratulate our partners at TransPennine Express on securing this prestigious national award. It is testament to their hard work and the positive relationship we, as a council, have built up with them over the past few years to drive such change.
“Working together, we have continued to develop the travel offer at Hull Paragon Interchange by listening to the needs and feedback of our residents and acting on this to provide them with the type of services they expect.
“A lot has changed at the interchange in recent times, but we aren’t complacent and have many more improvements planned to further strengthen its status for rail, bus and active travel.”