After sitting empty for years, the landmark Portland Hotel could finally be getting a brand-new lease of life.
Plans have been submitted to transform it into Paragon 65, a modern co-living development designed for working professionals, mature students, and locals looking for affordable city-centre living.
The idea behind co-living is to offer flexible, high-quality accommodation at prices that won’t break the bank. Rents are expected to be around £500 a month including all bills, which is roughly half the cost of a typical one-bedroom flat in the city centre once you factor in utilities. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s a welcome and much-needed option for those who want to live centrally without the high price tag.
There’s been some confusion about the project being classed as an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), with rumours it might be used to house asylum seekers. However, the developer has been clear that this is not the case – the development is aimed squarely at locals, young professionals, and people saving for their first home. They’ve even suggested that Hull City Council should include restrictions in the planning approval to ensure the building remains for local use, reassuring residents who might have concerns.
The plans show a range of modern facilities that will all be included in the rent, such as a gym, cinema room, working pods for home-based professionals, and private dining areas that residents can book for social events. Each studio will have its own kitchen and bathroom, with larger communal kitchens available on every floor. It’s a model already proving successful in cities like Leeds and Manchester, blending independence with a sense of community.
If approved, Paragon 65 could turn one of Hull’s most prominent derelict buildings into something genuinely beneficial for the city – providing affordable, modern homes where they’re needed most.
For more information, you can visit their website here!
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