New bar and bistro set to open in Hartlepool's Church Street after plans approved for former youth centre site

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department last year to provide the new venue and accommodation at the currently vacant 76 Church Street.

The site was previously home to drop-in youth centre B76, run by Barnardo’s, and had planning permission to be used as a takeaway.

Plans from T and K Property Management have now been approved to open a ‘bistro/bar/cafe’ at the site, supporting the ‘daytime and evening time street scene and vitality’ of the area.

The development is to feature a new shop front, along with outdoor seating under a canopy.

The first and second floors of the building are to be converted into four apartments as part of the plans.

The approval of the plans come as all bars, restaurants and cafes remain closed in Hartlepool under Tier 4 covid restrictions.

However, the Government has said its vision is to ‘open up Britain by Easter’ 2021 as the vaccine programme continues to roll out across the UK.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the development would improve the Church Street Conservation Area where it is located.

It said: “The proposal is to change the use of the ground floor and convert it into a bar/bistro/cafe which would be open from 7am until 2am and thus contribute to both the daytime and evening/night time vitality of the street scene in this part of the Conservation Area.

“The proposal would bring a building prominent in the Conservation Area back into a viable use.

“The commercial premises in the area are important to the vitality of the town centre and Hartlepool Waterfront, and provide modern business workspaces.”

The outside seating included is to be under a retractable canopy and will bring ‘vitality to the street scene and let customers enjoy the historic environment’ according to the plans.

The proposals also state the development will offer new jobs, with one permanent and six part time roles.

Council senior planning officer Jane Tindall confirmed in her report on the proposals they have been approved, adding they will not harm the area.

She said: “It is considered on balance that the application is acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations, and in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.”

The site was previously given planning permission for a new takeaway in August 2016, at the second time of asking, after proposals were initially rejected in May that year.

Plans have recently been approved for other similar schemes in Church Street, which are in line with the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Proposals were approved in 2020 to convert the former Scarlets nightclub into a cafe and bistro, with the upper floors to be used for student accommodation.

Plans were also approved to refurbish 15 Church Street, previously Mamma Mia’s takeaway, with a view to it being home to a new cafe or shop and two flats.

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