Plans to bring Hartlepool's 'New Deal Centre' back into full use

Hartlepool Borough Council planning department has given the go-ahead to proposals to carry out work to the former “New Deal Centre” located at 13 Tower Street.

Submitted by Mr Hornsey, from Hornsey Hardware Ltd, plans include the subdivision of part of the ground floor to provide a separate independent office/retail unit.

Proposals also include reopening the former pedestrian access to Tower Street and a new fascia sign for the first floor of the building.

A report from senior council planning officer Jane Tindall confirmed the proposals have been approved, concluding they should benefit the area.

She said: “The proposed development would see a vacant building within a designated town centre area, being brought back into use.

“This would support the vitality and viability of the area.

“The development is not considered to have a negative impact on visual amenity, the amenity of neighbouring land users or highway safety.”

Planning documents add the development is likely to lead to six full-time jobs being offered at the site.

Proposals will also include the installation of larger ‘shopfront’ windows at ground floor level and enlarged window openings at first and second floor level looking out onto Tower Street.

A planning and sustainability statement previously submitted by SJR Architectural and Interior Designers, on behalf of the applicant, states bringing unused sections of the building back into use will benefit the area.

It said: “The application site is surrounded by a wide variety of shops, offices and residential properties, who would all potentially benefit from the occupation of a vacant building in the area.

“The re-use of a vacant building would avoid many of the negative and harmful environmental impacts and levels of energy usage associated with new construction.

“Redevelopment of the building would bring an existing vacant premises back into use whilst also securing additional commercial uses to this town centre location to the significant benefit of its services, facilities and local economy.”

The ground and first floor areas of the premises are currently vacant, with the second-floor level occupied as office accommodation by way of a lease agreement.

The proposals will retain the site’s six parking spaces, while cycle parking will also be provided within the rear yard.

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