Work is under way on the transformation of a prime site in Hull city centre – after HullBID stepped in to help the owners deal with the regulatory processes.

Workmen completed the demolition of a gun shop and a nail salon in Paragon Square during the autumn and are now making good progress with building a new restaurant on the site.

The project will include the complete refurbishment of a former bar which occupied a four-storey building next to the former nail salon, and Paul White of Garness Jones said both developments offer exciting opportunities.

“This venture is evidence that the owners of the site are committed to Hull and in particular to the regeneration of Paragon Square,” he said.

“But the process of gaining the necessary permissions for the work was very complicated and involved dealing with parties including Hull City Council, Hull Civic Society and the Royal British Legion. HullBID played a key part in that and the owners are very grateful.”

“Paragon Square presents many people with their first view of Hull city centre. This development will make sure those first impressions are positive, and for that reason we should not underestimate the importance of the project.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “A lot of our work is unseen by the public and the business community because it involves discussions and negotiations behind the scenes with various regulations and procedures. We have supported the Paragon Square developments from the beginning and we are now looking forward to seeing the development of a new dining quarter, with high-class cuisine and stylish outdoor seating areas.”

DEVELOPMENT: Artistic impression of Paragon Square.