Demolition of Hartlepool's former Mill House Leisure Centre expected to start in days
Hartlepool’s “redundant” former Mill House Leisure Centre could disappear forever by Christmas after it was targeted by vandals.
A demolition application has been submitted for the premises, in Raby Road, with work possibly starting as early as September.
Hartlepool Borough Council, the applicant behind the demolition bid, said the leisure centre is “fully redundant” following the opening of the town’s new multi-million pound Highlight well-being hub.
An application to the Hartlepool Development Corporation states the Mill House, which opened to the public in 1972, has “reached the end of its lifespan”.
Submitted plans also state that maintaining the premises has created “ongoing security and public safety issues” and the council said that “unlawful access to the site continues to cause antisocial behaviour”, requiring 24/7 security cover.
The planning application continues: “Demolishing the structure directly resolves the anti-social behaviour concerns while removing a visual eyesore from the local landscape.
“Once cleared, the footprint will be transitioned into a soft landscaping arrangement, enhancing the immediate area and creating a cleaner, safer environment for the community.”
The planning application confirms demolition works are scheduled to start on September 7 and are expected to be completed by Christmas Eve.
Demolition waste from the site is expected to go to a recycling centre in Middlesbrough and “materials from the site will then be distributed amongst groundworks packages throughout Teesside”.
The application also noted no “redevelopment or rebuilding” is proposed at the moment.
A decision on the demolition plan is expected shortly.
For details of public notices affecting the Hartlepool area, go to publicnoticeportal.uk/