Mister Twisters building set to be reborn as new business operation for Hartlepool

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to convert the former Mister Twisters play centre in Park View Road West into a warehouse.

Plans from Knight Frank, an estate agency and property consultants, state it has been actively marketing the building since May 2018, as Mister Twisters was facing ‘financial troubles’, before it finally became vacant in November 2018.

The applicant states they recently received interest from Vanguard Packing to take over the site, who already have a premises in Hartlepool and are looking to expand.

A planning statement from the applicant details the history of the site and why the proposals would benefit the area.

It said: “We have been actively marketing this building since May 2018 when the occupier tenant trading as Mr Twister was in severe financial difficulties.

“The building eventually fell vacant in November 2018 when the tenant company ceased trading.

“Shortly before Christmas I received an enquiry for the unit from John Sumner, Managing Director of Vanguard Packing Ltd who occupy premises in the town on a leasehold basis, which they had outgrown and he was keen to purchase an alternative unit.

“The application is to allow a company currently trading in Hartlepool to relocate and expand within the town creating additional jobs.

“It will simply allow the return of a building to its original intended use of employment on an industrial estate.”

The site is located at Park View Industrial Estate off Brenda Road and in July 2003 plans were approved for Mister Twisters to take over the building.

The play centre opened in October 2003 as a sister business to others in Consett and Gateshead but was later taken over by new owners.

The Mail reported in October 2018 the future of the soft play centre was uncertain after it closed its doors suddenly, with a note on the door stating it was ‘closed for essential repairs’.

To comment on the application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0049.