“Hull proudly stands as the largest integrated rail and bus interchange in the North, and is a station we can all be proud of”
Hull Paragon station has been crowned Large Station of the Year at an awards ceremony dubbed the ‘Railway Oscars’. Winners were announced at the National Rail Awards 2025 in London on Wednesday, September 17.
The station has direct trains to London with Hull Trains, Transpennine Express services to Leeds, and Northern services to Sheffield and Scarborough. It was designed by architect George Townsend Andrews in Italianate style and opened in 1846.
Judges praised the station’s transformation in recent years. It was said renovations have made it not just a transport gateway, but a landmark Hull can be proud of.
Hull Paragon, operated by TransPennine Express (TPE), was commended for its striking artwork, colourful planters, banners and storyboards that showcase the city’s character. It was recognised as one of the country’s best transport centres.
The station’s multi-agency safeguarding hub was highlighted as a model of how stations can play a vital role in supporting their communities. It was described as the “cherry on top”.
Ben Courtney, former station manager for Hull, Brough and Selby, who was closely involved in the station’s redevelopment, said the recognition was richly deserved. The award ceremony was held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London.
He said: “Hull proudly stands as the largest integrated rail and bus interchange in the North, and is a station we can all be proud of. This award reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of colleagues, partners and the local community who have transformed Hull Paragon into a safer, more welcoming and vibrant place.”
This comes after it was revealed Hull Paragon Interchange could soon be home to a new bar. Hull Tap Ltd is set to be awarded £315,000 for works to the former ticket office and hall in the station to be converted it into a high-quality bar.
And an application has been submitted to upgrade the roof. Documents submitted to the council state there is “currently no safe means of access available for maintaining either the gutter or the glazing” on the roof which has led to leaks.
Plans have also been submitted for a Morrisons Daily at the station. The application details plans to open a store in the retail unit next to the Starbucks.
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