New shops and student flats planned for former Hartlepool training centre

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to convert the site at 12-14 Church Street into 12 self-contained student flats.

The ‘en-suite studios’ would be across the first and second floors of the site, and a shared communal area and laundry room would be provided on the ground floor.

The plans, submitted by Mr Hardeep Kandola, also note the remaining space on the ground floor would be made available for two retail units.

A planning statement from Gareth Hughes Architectural Services, on behalf of the applicant, states the development repurposes an ‘already neglected property’ in an area marked for ‘much needed regeneration’.

It said: “This proposal seeks to provide suitable accommodation and services that would support the innovation and skills quarter (ISQ) and the new campus for Cleveland College of Art and Design [now called The Northern School of Art].

“The proposal provides individual small scale retail/business starter units at ground level along Church Street.

“This allows for a positive change within the area and to ensure that the ISQ evolves accordingly.”

The development of the ISQ aims to help revitalise Church Street and develop a thriving creative industries quarter based around The Northern School of Art’s new campus, according to the council.

Plans note the proposed works are predominantly internal with minimal alterations to the external appearance.

The developer is also currently working with the council to secure funding for the repair and restoration of the external fabric of the site, including the existing ‘historic facade’.

Secure cycle storage is also included in the plans to ‘encourage the use of sustainable transport’.

The building, located near the historic former Shades site in Church Street, is currently vacant and was last used as a training centre.

The proposals would be in line with the regeneration of Church Street and Church Square, which has seen millions of pounds of investment in recent years.

Plans were also recently approved to refurbish the neighbouring 15 Church Street, previously Mamma Mia’s takeaway, with a view to it being home to a new cafe or shop and two flats.

A decision is expected to be made on the latest proposals by the council planning department next month.

To comment on the planning application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0023.

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