New bar, bistro and apartments bid in latest plan for Hartlepool's Church Street

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department 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 currently has planning permission to be used as a takeaway.

However plans from T and K Property Management are now looking to open a bistro/bar/cafe at the site, supporting the ‘daytime and evening time street scene and vitality’ of the area.

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

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

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 would be under a retractable canopy and would bring ‘vitality to the street scene and let customers enjoy the historic environment’ according to the plans.

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

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.

It was after councillors raised concerns over road safety, the potential impact on people’s health and fire safety worries over the storage of waste.

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

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

Plans have also been approved this year 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.

It comes as Hartlepool’s leaders aim to bring on development of the town centre, with growing businesses and creating jobs for the future of particular importance in light of coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy.

A decision is expected to be made on the latest proposals in November by the council planning department.

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