Bowling alley could bring 50,000 people a year to Hartlepool seafront

A new eight-lane bowling alley could be coming to Seaton Carew which an amusement boss says could attract 50,000 people a year.
The potential site of a bowling alley along The Front in Seaton Carew.The potential site of a bowling alley along The Front in Seaton Carew.
The potential site of a bowling alley along The Front in Seaton Carew.

Lloyd Nichols, who runs a series of amusements on The Front, is seeking planning permission to change an arcade and children’s soft play area into a tenpin bowling alley.

The plans are due to go before Hartlepool planning councillors on Wednesday and are being recommended by officers for approval.

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They seek a change of use for 14 The Front including two single storey extensions to create extra floor space for the alley.

Planning officer Fiona McCall said in a report: “The applicant also owns Olympia Bowl in Scarborough and supporting details were submitted regarding visitor numbers to this leisure facility. It was stated that this business has recorded approximately 70,000 games of bowling per year which equates to approximately 50,000 people visiting the area.

“It was outlined that it would be assumed that a new facility in Seaton Carew would attract a similar number of players over the same period.”

Papers submitted on behalf of Mr Nichols say the unit’s cafe and children’s soft play area are not used much.

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They state: “Lloyd has never stopped believing in Seaton Carew and understands only by continued updating and investment will his company be successful.”

Six objections have been made to the council including from residents of Major Cooper Court sheltered accommodation behind the building. They are worried the plans would lead to noise, anti-social behaviour and security issues.