Plans have been lodged to convert a vacant social club into three commercial units and a “high-quality” house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to transform the former West End Social Club, in Murray Street, Hartlepool.

The application from Thomas Oljemark, from Maine Blueprints, is looking to bring the site back into use by carrying out works to the ground floor to enable it to house three commercial premises.

The scheme would see the upper floors converted into an eight bedroom HMO “aimed at professional occupants”.

The former West End Social Club, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, could be transformed under new plans.

placeholder image — The former West End Social Club, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, could be transformed under new plans.

A planning statement in support of the proposals outlines how the work “retains and enhances” the empty premises while also contributing to the borough’s housing supply.

It adds: “The building is currently vacant and underutilised.

“The application seeks to deliver high-quality, well-managed shared accommodation within a sustainable town centre location, whilst maintaining active commercial frontage at ground floor level.

“The proposal therefore represents an opportunity to bring the building back into active and viable use in a manner that aligns with the established character of the area.”

The planned HMO would provide “high-quality bedrooms, all designed for single occupancy” each with “en-suite or off-suite bathroom provision”.

Shared communal kitchen and dining spaces would also be provided, while the property would be “professionally managed” to ensure the development “operates responsibly and minimises any potential impacts”, according to the application.

It adds: “The proposed HMO has been designed to deliver a high standard of accommodation, aimed at professional occupants.”

Work to the property would see the existing “oversized” ground floor divided into three “active and viable commercial units” while “clear and separate access arrangements for commercial and residential uses” would be provided.

Plans add the new units would “provide adaptable space for a range of uses including retail, office, and business services”.

Proposals note no on-site parking would be offered as the site is in a “sustainable location” and HMO occupants “typically exhibit lower levels of car ownership”.

A decision is expected to be made on the development next month.

To view and comment on the application, visit the local authority planning portal online and search reference number H/2026/0122.