And finally… from rail to ale
A former ticket office and hall at Hull’s Paragon Interchange is to be transformed into a bar, leaving commuters impressed with the council’s train of thought.
Hull Tap will be granted £315,000 for refurbishment works to the grade two-listed space, as well as the building of a new bar.
The 6,000 sq ft ticket hall is currently vacant, and plans include seating for around 150 customers.
The adjacent former ticket office is used by WH Smith, which will vacate the premises and relocate to an empty unit on the station’s concourse.
WH Smith will receive government funding of £146,000 to make that move.
Together, both projects will attract around £1m of private investment, which follows on from recent interest from Morrisons, which has submitted plans for a Morrisons Daily store at the Interchange.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing at the council, said: “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.
“These awards are also helping to maintain city centre presence for a national brand in WHSmith, whilst safeguarding jobs at the same time.
“Morrisons’ application for the station confirms that Hull is a place that high street brands want to be and will only add to the offering for commuters and passengers alike.”
