New Hartlepool seafront attraction hopes to bowl visitors over

An eight-lane bowling alley called Seaton Bowl is set to be created at the Talk of the Town amusements on The Front.

It is after councillors on Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee granted approval for a change of use.

The plans were lodged on behalf of amusements owner Lloyd Nichols and it is said the plans could attract 50,000 visitors a year to Seaton Carew.

They relate to 12-14 The Front and include a rear extension and alterations to the layout inside.

A document submitted by Niven Architects stated: “The applicant Lloyd Nichols is the third generation of the family to run the business at Seaton Carew, trading since 1959. He has seen it grow from a humble beginning employing a handful of people to a business with nearly a hundred staff across two sites.

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

“The inclusion of a bowling facility fits within the client’s business plan of keeping

Seaton Carew active throughout the year.”

Mr Nichols also owns Olympia Bowl in Scarborough which recorded around 70,000 games of bowling a year equating to around 50,000.

Council planning officer Fiona McCall stated in a report: “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.”

The Seaton building has been in the Nichols family for around 60 years.

The architect’s supporting document added: “In order to keep the business and the resort running the client looks to make changes and improvements on a regular basis.

“This investment is key to retaining local employment and success in the area.”

The plans for the new bowling alley involve taking out a children’s soft play area, cafe and external courtyard and extend the building to accommodate the ten pin bowling facility with refreshments seating. New toilet facilities will also be put in.

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

But council officers said there were economic benefits to the proposal and recommended it be approved subject to a number of conditions.