Description
Early Years and the Arrival of Rail in Hull (1840s)
Before Paragon Station opened, Hull’s original railway station was Manor House Street, which had been serving the Hull and Selby Railway since 1840. However, as the railway network expanded, there was a need for a larger, more central station to accommodate growing traffic, especially from the York and North Midland Railway (Y&NMR), which leased the Hull and Selby Railway line.
In 1846, the Hull and Selby Railway began planning a new terminus. The York and North Midland Railway (Hull Station) Act 1847 was passed, enabling the construction of the new station. This station, designed by architect G. T. Andrews, was constructed in the Italian Renaissance style and opened in 1847, becoming the main terminal for trains running to and from Hull.
The Paragon Station and Hotel
In addition to the station, the Paragon Station Hotel was also constructed as part of the development, opening in 1849. The hotel was built in the same architectural style and served as an important landmark in the city, with its ornate Italianate façade. At the time, the station was one of the largest and most impressive railway stations in England, and it was considered a significant symbol of Hull’s industrial expansion.
The station itself had a train shed with five tracks, and it was a vital terminus for several railway lines connecting Hull to key destinations, such as York, Scarborough, and other regional locations. The station soon became the hub of Hull’s transportation network, with additional branch lines and services to places like Holderness, Hornsea, and Beverley.
Expansion in the 19th Century
As the railway network continued to grow, Paragon Station underwent several expansions and modifications. The North Eastern Railway (NER), which took control of the station in the 1850s, began expanding the station’s facilities, adding more platforms, tracks, and roof spans. A significant development in the 1860s involved the introduction of new routes, including the Hull to Leeds extension, which improved connectivity for passengers traveling westward.
By the 1870s, the station saw even further expansion to accommodate more traffic. The station underwent a redesign of its platforms and train shed, adding a third platform and increasing the capacity of the station. The booking office and parcels offices were also modified to meet the growing needs of travellers.
Early 20th Century: A Modernized Hub
In the early 1900s, the North Eastern Railway embarked on a major redesign of the station to modernize it and expand its capacity. William Bell, the architect behind the redesign, oversaw the construction of a new steel platform roof with five spans, which replaced the original structure. The revamped station, which opened in 1904, had a more streamlined and modern appearance, with a new concourse and office spaces. This redevelopment also saw the relocation of the station’s main offices and the addition of a new signal box system to improve train operations.
During this time, the station continued to serve as an essential transportation hub, especially during the early years of the 20th century, when there was a boom in passenger travel. The station also became a focal point during significant events, such as World War I, when it hosted rest stations and canteens for soldiers passing through.
World War II and Post-War Period
Hull Paragon Station suffered significant damage during World War II. In 1941, during the Hull Blitz, several bombs hit the station, causing extensive damage, especially to the roof. This event led to the destruction of many of the station’s historic features, including the station’s small railway museum. Despite this, the station remained operational throughout the war, continuing to serve the people of Hull.
In the post-war years, the station was gradually rebuilt, and some of the wartime damage was repaired. During the 1920s and 1930s, the station underwent further modifications, including the addition of more modern facilities and the installation of new signalling systems to improve efficiency.
The 1960s–1980s: Decline and Changes
In the 1960s, the station underwent significant changes with the addition of Paragon House, a modernist office block above the main entrance. This replaced the 1900s iron canopy and gave the station a more contemporary appearance. However, the introduction of this new structure also led to some controversy, as many felt it detracted from the historical integrity of the station’s original design.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Hull Paragon Station saw a decline in passenger numbers as the national railway system underwent privatization and structural changes. The station was no longer the vibrant hub it had once been, but it remained an important point in Hull’s transport network.
Recent Developments and the 2007 Redevelopment
In the early 2000s, Hull’s local government and transport authorities began planning a major redevelopment of the city’s transport infrastructure. This included plans for an integrated bus and rail interchange. The development aimed to improve transportation links between the rail station, the bus station, and other local services. In 2007, the Paragon Interchange was officially opened, merging the rail and bus stations into a unified transport hub.
The redevelopment also included the addition of a new shopping centre (St. Stephen’s Shopping Centre), hotel, housing, and cultural facilities like the Hull Truck Theatre. This redevelopment marked a new era for Hull Paragon, revitalizing the station and making it a modern and accessible transit hub while preserving its historical features.
Modern Era: Cultural and Artistic Significance
Today, Hull Paragon Interchange stands as a modern transportation hub and a cultural landmark. It has retained many of its historic elements, such as the beautiful steel roof designed by William Bell, while incorporating new facilities like the Philip Larkin statue and the Gipsy Moth aircraft model. The station continues to serve as an important point of travel, with services provided by companies like TransPennine Express, Hull Trains, Northern Trains, and London North Eastern Railway.
In recent years, further improvements have been made to enhance the experience for travellers, such as renovations to the station’s waiting areas and toilet facilities. As of 2024, Platform 1 is also being restored for use.
Legacy and Future
Hull Paragon Interchange’s long history is a testament to the city’s growth and its importance as a transport hub in the region. With ongoing investment and development, the station is set to continue serving the city of Hull for many years to come, both as a vital transport link and as a cultural and historical symbol.
