Commercial redevelopment intended for vacant former Hartlepool paper mill site
A vacant site in Hartlepool is proposed to be turned into a new retail development.
Plans have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council for the former Durham Paper Mill, in Burn Road.
A an application is seeking permission to put up four commercial buildings on the one hectare brownfield site comprising 16 units and associated hardscaping.
If approved it is expected it would create 50,000 square feet of commercial space.
A Design and Access Statement in support of the scheme says it would result in “a sympathetic development of a significant historic local site”.
It added: “The regeneration of this brownfield site will provide economic enhancement to the town creating new opportunities for businesses to thrive and sever the local community.”
Records for the site show a mill was built sometime between 1857 and 1896.
Over the next century, the site was altered and added to with new industrial infill units built.
Associated buildings were demolished some time between 2017-2020, and the land has been vacant since.
The proposal has been submitted by applicant Darren Wilde of Wilde Developments Ltd.
The applicants say the new plan would see the redevelopment of brownfield “eye sore” site in an extensive and established industrial estate.
It is proposed the new buildings would be arranged around the edge of the site and ‘look in’ towards the centre.
The design statement adds the current market is for smaller units that appeal to start up businesses.
The application has a target decision date of mid October. People can view and comment on the plans via the council’s Public Access Portal, reference number H/2026/0168.