New pizza restaurant 'is expected to increase footfall within Hartlepool Marina'
Plans have been unveiled for an investment “well in excess of six figures” which would see a new “high-quality” artisan pizza restaurant take over a former bar.
Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to carry out internal and external refurbishments at 34 Navigation Point.
The application from David Doughty, at DAAJ Ltd, states the site would become home to a restaurant named Stone Fired Pizza, an “established and proven business” currently operating “five successful locations in Edinburgh”.
The unit has been “vacant for a significant period” and was previously home to bars including The Intro and Screams Court.
Plans state works to the site would “facilitate the operation of an artisan pizza restaurant and bar” and “support a high-quality dining and social venue”.
The new business would “create approximately 10–15 local jobs, including full-time management roles, part-time and flexible positions, and entry-level roles offering training and progression opportunities, particularly for younger people”.
A planning statement in support of the development outlines how the move would “deliver clear and demonstrable economic, employment and regeneration benefits to the local area”.
It said: “The operation of the restaurant is expected to increase footfall within Hartlepool Marina, particularly during evenings and weekends, supporting surrounding businesses.
“The proposal represents an investment well in excess of six figures, committed to the full refurbishment and fit-out of the premises.
“This investment has enabled the reuse and upgrading of a previously vacant commercial unit, improvements to internal layout, services and customer facilities, and the delivery of a high-quality hospitality space that enhances the marina environment.”
It adds the work would be “primarily completed using Hartlepool-based trades and contractors, ensuring that a significant proportion of the investment has been retained within the local economy”.
Plans note the proposed opening hours for the restaurant are 9am to 11pm daily.
They show the premises would have “restaurant” and “casual dining” areas for customers, along with a bar.
A decision is expected to be made on the proposals by the council planning department in February.
For details of local public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/