Planning application lodge to move popular dance studio to new site in Hartlepool

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department for Amy Richardson Studios to move into the former CrossFit Hartlepool site in Havelock Street.

Submitted by Miss Richardson, plans state she wants to move from her existing Whitby Street South site, 450 yards away, to the proposed location due to the growth of the dance school.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant states the facilities will benefit the area and users of the site.

It said: “The facility will provide outstanding teaching of a number of dance styles along with fitness sessions, for the children who are registered.

“We strongly believe that this proposal would provide a sustainable development that would help promote and offer physical and social educational and interactional opportunity for a large number of youngsters within the town.

“The business would continue to provide a safe, active and engaged environment for the town’s youngsters for years to come.

“The growth of the dance school is the driving factor behind the move, allowing for more local children to partake in educational dance and fitness classes.”

The building is currently owned by Seymour Civil Engineering, according to planning documents, and was home to CrossFit Hartlepool until they moved to another site in Burn Road.

Plans state the dance studio would be able to open between 3pm and 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am and noon on Saturdays.

Amy Richardson Studios annually hosts shows at Hartlepool Town Hall and, since opening, they have been attended by local residents in their thousands, according to planning documents

The studio has developed a “wonderful reputation” in Hartlepool over the last eight years since it launched, and is home to 120 children aged between 18 months and 18 years old, the planning statement adds.

The proposed site also includes offices, which would remain the same as part of the proposals, with just the gym site converted to be used by the dance school.

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

To view and comment on the planning application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2021/0137.