In an effort to add a bit of colour as regular travellers and local customers pass through the station, TransPennine Express have planted 10 evergreen ‘Red Robin’ trees in and around one of East Yorkshire‘s major stations.

The trees are part of a £18,300 investment to decorate the station at Hull Paragon, benches have also been replaced and moved, slightly changing the concourse seating layout.

In addition there are future plans in place to upgrade and refurbish the toilets.

“The trees have really made a difference to the feel of the concourse and are just one of the many improvements we are making for our customers. We are continuing to invest in Hull Paragon Station as part of our blueprint to make journeys better.” 

Ben Courtney, Station Manager at TransPennine Express.

Hull Paragon station opened in 1847 and is one of the best preserved station buildings in Yorkshire.

It has in its 177 year history seen many refurbishments and upgrades from a range of train operating companies, which have each left their mark on the station.

For the station’s 175th anniversary, a class 185 DMU No. 185113 was named ‘Hull Paragon 175’, it is so far the only member of the 185 class to receive a name.

While last year Andy Pea, local artist, along with students at Ron Dearing UTC, painted a mural for the Ferensway interchange entrance, showing a timeline of Hull’s history.

“For those travelling by rail, bus or coach, Hull Paragon Station is often the first location they will experience in the city, so it is hugely important to make the right impression and to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate our history and to tell our story to the world. “The new trees on the concourse are the latest in a number of investments and enhancements by TransPennine Express designed to improve the experience for passengers and is a commitment that is welcomed by Hull City Council.”

Andy Burton, Assistant Director for Streetscene Services at Hull City Council.