Work to transform Hull Paragon began on Monday 6 February 2017, and will include the building of new toilets and a new waiting room for customers.
Train company TransPennine Express are investing more than £1.4 million ($1.73 million) in new, modern facilities which will enhance the experience for customers while complimenting the existing Grade II listed building.
The old Pumpkin café will be converted into new customer toilets and a glass fronted waiting room will be built, extending out from the front of the existing building. Both facilities will be completed in spring 2017.
Improvements to the ticket office will also be made in spring, including the removal of the counter screens making it easier for customers to talk to staff and improving accessibility.
This will be followed by the construction of four new high quality retail units, enhancing both the quantity and quality of retail offering to customers, attracting leading high street brands to the station.
In addition, a new customer information point will also be created, bringing back into use a part of the station that is currently redundant. As part of further investment, a new arrivals and departures board will improve the level of information provided.
The company have been working closely alongside Hull City Council and the UK City of Culture 2017 team to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, particularly during major events and busy periods.
David Hatfield, TransPennine station manager for Humberside commented: “I’m thrilled that work to enhance the station has now begun and this is excellent news for our customers and our City.
“I also want to reassure people that the work will not disrupt customer’s journeys. Trains will run as planned and the station will be open for business as the gateway to UK City of Culture 2017. As a business that prides itself on delivering excellent customer service, we are looking forward to continuing to welcome visitors during this very special year.”
Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder with responsibility for transport at Hull City Council, said: “We welcome the investment made by TransPennine Express into refurbishing the station, and are delighted to see the start of these works that will give the concourse a fresh new look.
“Since planning approval was granted last year, we have been working closely with TransPennine Express to develop a work program that will cause minimal disruption to passengers. This means that works will be completed during the summer, to ensure that the expected increase in rail passengers will be managed effectively, with a contemporary and welcoming arrival to the UK City of Culture.”
