Revamp on menu as square set to become city dining quarter

Demolition teams have fenced off part of Paragon Square in readiness for the removal of concrete benches next to Hull’s war memorial.

In their place will be an landscaped outdoor seating area for new cafe bars and restaurants that will emerge from a refurbishment of old shop and pub units in a prime site – opposite the landmark Royal Hotel and transport interchange.

The first, an extension to the successful Stanley’s Brasserie, will be open by the summer.

James Stockdale and business partner Paula Howarth opened Stanley’s with a team of seven staff during the summer of 2008 in what was an empty tanning salon “which was falling apart”. Staffing has grown to 13 and the new development will create a further three full-time and two part-time jobs.

Mr Stockdale said: “When we first came here there was stigma associated to this part of the city centre with bars that had a notorious reputation and attracted the wrong sort of people to the area.

“We just kept our product and the quality of the product consistent and hopefully we are now coming out of it and there are changes afoot.

“The first two and a half years have been difficult. We put £250,000 into Stanley’s and now a further £140,000 into the new premises but we have built up a good reputation and we are now ready to take the next step.”

The new venture will be Stan’s Bar, a quality wine bar connected to the restaurant through an archway. Between them the venues will have an outdoor table service for 40 people.

Longer term development will see other food businesses operating to the same high standards coming in, as well as some stylish new shops. Being so close to the war memorial the site is sensitive but approval was secured from the Royal British Legion and the Hull Civic Society.

Mr Stockdale, who has lived in the city centre for years, said: “I believe Hull needs this desperately.

“I think many, many moons ago all the cinemas were in the city centre, we had the ABC, the Cecil, and most of the restaurants and pubs were in the city centre and we had quite a thriving economy. “Over the last 10 years it has gone out to satellite areas, to Beverley Road, Princes Avenue and Newland Avenue where there are restaurants and bars popping up left, right and centre.

“The city centre has a great transport interchange, shopping centres and the Marina and two of the biggest theatres in Yorkshire. I think we just need to bring something back into the city.

“As soon as this started to come to fruition the phone hasn’t stopped.”

Mr Stockdale paid tribute to his landlords, Regent House Limited, for their patience and funding the outdoors works and to Hull Business Improvement District (BID) which charges city centre firms one per cent of their rateable value to pay for initiatives, including extra police patrols, decorating street furniture and staging events.

“Regent House made it clear to the council that they had the vision and finances to redevelop the buildings,” said Mr Stockdale.

“Hull BID has been a great help in using their contacts with the city council to keep things moving.”

Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID city centre manager, said she became involved because she saw the great potential and wanted to help drive an early conclusion between the parties.

She added: “We’re delighted that work is now under way and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.”

Strong interest in exciting area

Chartered surveyors Garness Jones are reporting strong interest in one of the other units, and head of agency Dave Garness predicts a bright future for the project.“This part of Hull is one of the most exciting areas in the city centre,” he said. “It is certainly one of the most important because it is so close to the transport interchange and is therefore the first view of Hull for many visitors.”