Public invited behind the scenes at Monocle as landmark development marks first anniversary

Members of the public are invited for a tour of the landmark Monocle building in the heart of Hull as it marks one year since its impressive transformation.

Developed by Allenby Commercial, Monocle is the former six-storey Europa House building located next to Paragon Interchange in the city centre.

Its 60,000 sq ft of high-specification workspace also includes a business lounge with co-working spaces, podcast studio, private gym, event space and gallery, a city garden and the ground-floor Daze coffee house, which is open to the public.

The building’s old, mirrored façade was a familiar sight to city residents, visitors and commuters for more than 40 years and is now a clear-fronted, welcoming and modern space which is currently home to 17 businesses spanning a range of sectors.

The development was renamed Monocle by Allenby Commercial to reflect both the building’s distinctive curved architecture and its transformation from a mirrored office block that concealed activity inside to one defined by openness, transparency and connection.

In its first year, Monocle has hosted dozens of events, including business networking sessions, AGMs, exhibitions and art galleries, parties, barbecues, fashion shows, wine tastings and games nights. 

Now, people who worked within the building over the years, or those who are interested in the major redevelopment, are being invited to book on a tour of Monocle as it marks its first anniversary. 

Georgia Allenby, Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “It’s been a very exciting and successful first year of Monocle and we’re delighted to welcome visitors for a tour of the building that has generated so much interest.

“It’s a great opportunity for people who used to work here decades ago to have a trip down memory lane and look at photographs of it through the years, seeing how it has been brought back to life and transformed into a contemporary, welcoming and thriving space.

“Monocle is a wonderful piece of Hull’s history and it’s important to celebrate that. It’s more than a workspace now – it’s a modern hub which is becoming increasingly popular among businesses, members, the public and creatives.

“We can’t wait to welcome people for a tour and show Monocle in all its glory.”

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Monocle has made a real difference to Hull city centre. It has transformed a building that had stood empty for years into a vibrant, modern destination.

“It hasn’t simply refurbished a building – it has reimagined how a city centre commercial space can work. By creating a genuine hub where businesses and the wider community come together, Allenby Commercial has delivered something that feels fresh, different and genuinely innovative.

“That innovation has also had a wider impact. Monocle has helped bring new businesses, new investment and more people into this part of the city centre, creating activity and confidence that benefits the area as a whole.

“Cities like Hull need ambitious projects that challenge convention and show what is possible. 

“Monocle is exactly that. It is a fantastic achievement, and everyone at Allenby Commercial should be immensely proud of what they have created.”

Monocle’s décor gives a nod to the building’s 1970s heritage with its warm, 70s-inspired interior and colours throughout, with some of the original mirrored glass panels now preserved and situated in the private gym.

Chris Hobman, Chief Operating Officer at Hull Fibre, which is based at Monocle, ran a call centre at Europa House 20 years ago.

He said: “Monocle is the first place of its kind in this city, successfully blending that productive office environment with a networking culture.

“It’s a destination postcode for business, and I’m sure anyone who comes for a tour will find it fascinating to see the changes and improvements.”

• Tours of Monocle will take place on Wednesday, September 16, from 10am-11am. To book a place, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monocle-building-tours-tickets-1992811713480?msockid=049ad397617d6bee1d57c55060076a90