New leisure centre planning application recommended for approval

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Planning Committee meets on Wednesday (July 27th) to consider the application in respect of Highlight.

The proposed development is earmarked for The Waterfront, adjacent to the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and, if approved, will replace the town’s ageing Mill House Leisure Centre.

In recommending approval, planning officials say they consider the proposed use to be acceptable and in line with the relevant policies of the Hartlepool Local Plan.

Designed by GT3 Architects in collaboration with the Council’s own in-house expertise, Highlight grows in height from west to east to provide panoramic views of The Waterfront site, marina and sea. Its strong linear lines are inspired by the railway tracks which ran from local timber and coal yards into the former dockland site during the 19th and early 20th centuries

A computer-generated image of Highlight

A report to the Planning Committee states: “The proposed development will see a vacant site in a prominent location within a marina setting being brought back into use.

“It is considered that the scheme represents a flagship development that showcases bold, inclusive and sympathetic design while providing equitable and high-quality indoor leisure facilities.”

The proposed mix of facilities includes a 25m eight-lane main pool, a 25m four-lane learner pool with movable floor, a leisure pool including a race slide and water play features, spectator seating, changing areas, a 100-station fitness suite, two inter-connected fitness studios, an indoor cycling/spinning studio, active and soft play areas, a café, party rooms, an NHS consultation suite and external ground and first-floor terraces.

If the planning application is approved, the process of procuring a main contractor for the scheme will then begin.