Plans have been lodged to convert part of a vandal-hit vacant social club into shops with potential uses including a coffee house, mini-supermarket and takeaway.

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department for the former United Services Club, in Miers Avenue.

The application from Shah Anwar, from Oak Enterprise & Investments, states the “derelict and abandoned” building closed in December 2022 and they are now looking to convert the front half of the ground floor into three commercial units.

It notes “initial plans” are for the site to comprise a coffee shop, mini-supermarket and a hot food takeaway although this is not a certainty and “no tenants for the commercial units have been identified yet”.

Part of the former United Services Club, in Miers Avenue, Hartlepool, could be transformed into shops.

placeholder image — Part of the former United Services Club, in Miers Avenue, Hartlepool, could be transformed into shops.

A planning statement in support of the application outlines how the development would “help to sustain the building for the future in terms of usage and repair”.

It adds: “Anti-social behaviour and vandalism have been observed by residents and the owner, and this is believed to be facilitated by the current vacant and dilapidated condition of the building.

“It is hoped that employment opportunities will be present to people from the local area to bring them into employment and training.

“The project will bring a derelict and vandalised building, which is a current magnet for criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, back into use.”

It adds the property has been marketed at auction on “several occasions” before being purchased by the current owner with a view to development.

Documents note there is an area just outside the property which would allow parking for “three to four” cars at a time and it is “not predicted” vehicles will park for a long duration.

However, four objections have already been lodged amid raising concerns over potential parking issues and that there are already enough shops in the area.

Plans state the owner of the property hopes the current proposals will be the first part of a “two-phase development” of the site.

The second stage would be subject to a separate future planning application and would include the conversion of the remainder of the building into self-service flats/apartments.

A decision is expected to be made on the latest proposals in early June.

To view and comment on the application, visit the local authority planning portal online and search reference number H/2026/0010.