Plans in for Hull Paragon redevelopment

Plans to redevelop and modernise elements of Hull’s Paragon Station ahead of 2017’s UK City of Culture event, including the introduction of new retail space, have been submitted.First TransPennine Express has put forward plans to improve facilities at one of Yorkshire’s busiest stations.Hull Paragon operates as both a train and bus interchange in a grade II-listed property which originally opened in 1849.In December 2015, FirstGroup secured the new First TransPennine Express franchise which will run for a period of seven years with a potential extension of a further two. The new operation will provide an additional train to Leeds each hour, doubling the frequency, and introduce new trains on the route to Doncaster and Sheffield.Growing bus and rail patronage and the 2017 City of Culture events is expected to increase footfall and demand for more of the facilities “expected of modern travel interchanges”, according to a design and access statement submitted by IDP Architects on behalf of First TransPennine Express.