Further top award for The BIS

Published Monday, 23rd November 2020

A grade II-listed former Post Office building converted into a centre for creative industries in Hartlepool has earned another prestigious award.

The BIS, which is in Whitby Street and houses 28 units of various sizes, has been named Overall Joint Winner at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) North East Awards for Planning Excellence.

Announcing the award in a virtual ceremony, RTPI North East Chair Tim Crawshaw said: “This project is a game changer for Hartlepool that makes great use of an historic building with a modern twist.

“It’s an inspiring example of team work and partnership working … a story of innovative thinking and a confident response to potential and opportunities.”

The BIS montage

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee who officially opened The BIS in May 2019, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award.

“Turning a derelict building into a thriving centre for small businesses, this project has been a triumph of both innovation and partnership working and my warmest congratulations go to everyone involved, especially the staff of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Team.”

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, added: “This is another fantastic feather in the cap for a real Hartlepool success story and we and our project partners are tremendously proud of what we have achieved.

“Many congratulations to everyone involved in this groundbreaking project, which provides a superb environment in which small businesses can flourish and grow.”

This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of The BIS winning the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building category in the Local Authority Building Control Northern Building Excellence Awards 2020 and the Heritage Award at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Social Impact Awards 2020, North East.

The Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and The Northern School of Art have all worked in partnership on The BIS project as part of a wider on-going Council initiative to develop an Innovation and Skills Quarter around Church Street.

Open to both new and existing businesses in the creative sector, The BIS houses a comprehensive range of facilities, including:

  • 28 units of various sizes – a mix of studios, workshops and office space.
  • Two fully-equipped meeting/conference rooms, which are also available for hire.
  • High-speed internet connectivity and WIFI.
  • A range of flexible easy in-easy out terms.

For more information, call 01429 363150 or email bis@hartlepool.gov.uk