Popular cocktail bar Wallis & Co to expand at Hartlepool marina - complete with dance space and beer pong

Proposals from bosses at Wallis & Co for the expansion of their cocktail bar at Navigation Point have been approved by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department.

For the past four years Wallis & Co have been running their cocktail bar from unit 14 at the site, and the plans will allow them to expand into the newly vacant 15 Navigation Point.

The extension will provide extra seating for up to 20 people, an area for dancing and live music, space for beer pong, an interactive photo booth and more, according to the plans.

It will also offer a potential VIP area, an additional small bar and more toilet facilities.

Additionally an outdoor seating area is to be provided to the front of units 14 and 15, with loose tables and chairs, as part of the proposals.

The plans also include retrospective planning permission for changing the use of unit 14 from a shop, to the existing cocktail bar.

A report from council planning officer Caitlin Morton states the proposals are in keeping with the area and will have no adverse impact.

She said: “The proposal would consist of internal [and] external changes to the appearance of unit 15, which are considered to be modest in scale and would not project beyond the existing established frontages of the buildings and are generally in-keeping with the other uses along Navigation Point.

“The proposed outside seating areas support the existing uses in this area and therefore contribute to its continued vitality and viability.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposed change of use and external alterations would not result in an unacceptable loss of amenity and privacy for neighbouring properties and land users.”

A planning statement, previously submitted on behalf of the applicant, stated the plans would improve the site and benefit the area.

It said: “The overall purpose of the development is for the expansion of the existing already trading Wallis & Co cocktail bar venue at Unit 14, into the newly vacant premises at Unit 15.

“It is felt that the development will bring a more efficient use of the site…given its ideal location.

“The design has used the surrounding developments for aesthetic reason in order to harmonise with the area. “

Plans also state the extension is to provide an extra one full-time job and four part-time roles.

Nearby unit 12a at Navigation Point is home to the restaurant element of the Wallis & Co brand, and there are two connecting links for service and customers to unit 14.

However that site will not be impacted by the latest planning application.

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