Development at Hartlepool's historic Shades Hotel site to benefit from £1million Government boost fund

It was announced in September that Hartlepool had been awarded a grant of £1million to fund capital projects that can be delivered within the current financial year.

The cash is accelerated funding from the £3.6billion Towns Fund, which aims to ‘unleash the economic success of towns and high streets’ across the country.

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The £1million allocated to Hartlepool must be spent by the end of the current financial year, meaning only ‘shovel-ready’ projects that align with the Towns Fund eligibility framework can be considered.

A report to go before Hartlepool Borough Council Finance and Policy Committee next week is recommending the funding is used to continue the renovation of Church Street, including work on the former Shades site.

Funds would also be used to carry out work at the adjacent 15 Church Street, previously known as Mamma Mia’s, which is to be renovated and converted into two flats and a shop or cafe.

The report from council director of resources and development Chris Little noted the work on the projects will benefit the town, with the areas selected fitting the bill for the funding specification.

He said: “The recommendations will bring 15 Church Street back into a productive use helping both the regeneration of Church Street and creating an asset in the council’s property portfolio.

“The recommendations will secure the future of the former Shades Hotel until a larger refurbishment scheme to convert the building and bring it back into use can be delivered.

“The £1million funding must be spent on projects that can be delivered within the current financial year.

“The projects identified represent the only options given that they are at an advanced stage and can start on site within the short term.”

The former Shades Hotel is a Grade II-Listed building, which is identified on Historic England’s “at risk” register, and plans have been developed which involve creating a new commercial use within the building.

A funding application had been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Enterprise Fund, however the organisation has temporarily paused its funding programme due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with it anticipated to resume later in the year.

Council chiefs therefore noted it is proposed to spend some of the accelerated Towns Fund cash on structural works, a new roof to halt the deterioration of the building through water ingress, and works to improve the external appearance of the building.

The report adds using the funding will reduce future grant funding requirements, therefore increasing the viability of bringing the building back into a long term productive use.

Meanwhile improvements and renovations would be carried out at 15 Church Street, which has been disused ‘for a considerable period of time’ and is in ‘generally poor condition’.

The Town Deal Board also considered options for the £1million accelerated funding at a meeting in July and agreed with the proposal to focus on 15 Church Street and Shades to continue the regeneration of the Church Street area.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in June this year some of the funding for the Towns Fund would be made available now as part of recovery efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

A decision is to be made on the funding plans at the council finance and policy committee meeting on Monday, October 19, live via YouTube from 10am.

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