Wraps off at Hull’s Monocle

The first phase of Allenby Commercial’s overhaul of the former Europa House is complete, with six office occupiers already working from the 60,000 sq ft development.

Located next to Paragon Interchange, the project includes the Daze ground floor coffee house, which is open to the public, along with a business lounge, co-working spaces, podcast studios, gym, event space and a city garden.

With work continuing on other floors, Monocle is already home to six businesses, having undergone a transformation from its original mirrored façade to a new clear-glass front.

Work started last summer on the property, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. PPH and CBRE are agents on the workspace.

Some of the original windows have been recycled as mirrors in the members’ gym. Other eco-friendly features include reclaimed raised access floor panels. Solar panels cover the roof and there are charging points for e-bikes and scooters.

Nearly all the first-floor studios are occupied, with phase two of the conversion already underway.

Charlie Allenby, development director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Monocle has always been about reimagining what a workspace should be.

“We’ve taken a 50-year-old building and transformed it into something truly modern – not just in look, but in how it works for people. It’s more than an office – it’s a place that reflects the way we want to live and work now.”

The design pays tribute to the building’s heritage, Allenby said. Credit: Folk and Form

Georgia Allenby, design and marketing director, added: “The design of Monocle celebrates the building’s 1970s heritage, but with a bold, modern twist.

“It’s much more than just a place to work – it’s a destination designed to bring people together. Daze and the business lounge are the social core – stylish, curated spaces with real soul.

“We’ve poured so much into every detail, and it’s wonderful to see people already using the space exactly as we imagined: to collaborate, to relax and to be inspired.”

Businesses already occupying space at Monocle are Allenby itself, along with global workforce provider Adecco, fellow recruiter Caval, Ever After Holidays, Lyon PR, and One SC Media.

IT solutions provider PrimaryTech is due to move in this September.

When fully occupied, the development will span all six floors of the building, with the potential to house 700 jobs. Allenby bought the building in 2018.