Rail ale: ticket office to become 'quality' bar

Hull Paragon's former ticket office and hall are to be turned into a "high quality" bar, officials said.

The city council has awarded grants totalling £315,000 to Hull Tap Limited to help fund the work.

The BBC understands the company will run the bar as Thornbridge And Co, creating about 15 jobs.

The former ticket office is occupied by WH Smith, which will move to a vacant unit on the opposite side of the station's concourse, next to Costa Coffee. The hall is vacant.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: "It is pleasing that a large unit will be occupied, thanks to grant funding."

He added: "These awards are also helping to maintain city centre presence for a national brand in WH Smith, whilst safeguarding jobs."

Morrison's also recently submitted plans for a small store in the station, next to Starbucks.

Drake-Davis added: "Morrisons' application...confirms that Hull is a place that high street brands want to be [in] and will only add to the offering for commuters and passengers alike."

The council said it allocated a portion of government funding received in 2021 to create a grant scheme, which aims to bring back into use empty units and create city centre jobs.

More than £9m has so far been awarded to businesses, creating added around 900 jobs, it said.

Since its closure in around 2007, the ticket hall has been used as a cycle park and a mobility scooter hire centre. It was also used by the makers of the 2024 film Blitz.

Planned features for the hall include leather and hardwood fixed seating for 150 customers.

A bar counter will be built in the former ticket office, the council added.

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