Hartlepool's Headland Bandstand set to host events once more after restoration project approved

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year to carry our restoration works to the Headland Bandstand along the promenade.

The plans, submitted by Guy Rawlinson, responsible for building design at the council, state the work will include the construction of tiered seating at the site.

Council planning officers have now confirmed the proposals have been approved, noting there had been no objections, while Hartlepool Civic Society was ‘pleased the historic area is to be restored to be used by the public again’.

The Headland Bandstand improvements were one of a number of projects highlighted to be carried out as part of the council capital investment plan which was approved last December, before being finalised in February.

It came after an independent structural report, carried out in 2019, said the existing structure is in a ‘poor condition’ with sections prone to structural movement and in need of repair to ‘ensure structural stability’.

A design and access statement, previously submitted on behalf of the council, stated the plans would bring the landmark site back into use and allow it to host outdoor events.

It said: “It is intended that the previous use as a usable event space and associated terrace seating is returned to the site.

“New precast concrete terrace units would provide a series of seating levels accessed by new steps.

“This would provide a space for outdoor events to take place. It is envisaged that events will range from small and informal to larger scale and organised.”

As part of the plans three terraces will be provided with stepped access, while the promenade area will remain open to maximise the range of potential event and uses.

The terraces will span approximately half the length of the existing terraced area and a seating edge at promenade level will be provided between the two existing promenade access ramps.

The concrete used at the site will be a ‘neutral light grey’ colour to complement existing materials in the area according to the plans, while pregrown wildflower turf will also be planted in the area.

A council planning report from senior officer Ryan Cowley confirmed the proposals would have no detrimental impact on the area.

He said: “The application is considered to be acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations and is considered to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.”

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