Work begins on Hartlepool’s new drug and alcohol treatment centre

Published Wednesday, 4th June 2025

Construction has officially started on Hartlepool’s new state-of-the-art drug and alcohol treatment centre, located on Whitby Street.

The project marks a major milestone in the Council’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing services for local people. 

Initial work on the site has included the demolition of the previous building to make way for the new facility, which will significantly enhance the delivery of drug and alcohol treatment services in Hartlepool. 

The new centre will feature: 

  • 18 consultation/clinical rooms 

  • Waiting area 

  • Multiple meeting rooms 

  • Office space 

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, commented: 

“The health and wellbeing of local people is a key priority, and I am delighted to see that ground has now been broken on the construction of our new, fit-for-purpose drug and alcohol treatment centre. 

“This is a really important step forward, which will allow us to increase both the capacity and the quality of treatment and care that our patients receive when they access the service.” 

The £3.7 million scheme is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council and built using modern methods of construction (MMC) by modular experts, Portakabin, at their manufacturing headquarters in York.  The centre is expected to open in early 2026. 

Dan Ibbetson, CEO at Portakabin said: “We’re thrilled to have started works on site at what will be the new ‘Start’ drug and alcohol treatment centre in Hartlepool. By utilising modern methods of construction, we have been able to design an outstanding facility to help people in the local community, at a pace that wouldn’t be achievable using traditional bricks and mortar.” 

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Caption: Councillor Brenda Harrison (right) breaks the ground for Hartlepool’s new drug and alcohol treatment centre alongside Derek Buckall,  Contract Manager at Portakabin (left) and Claire Robinson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Public Health Principal (centre). Photo credit: Portakabin

In the interim whilst works are carried out on the site, Start - Hartlepool’s drug and alcohol support service - has temporarily relocated to Bevan House, situated at the corner of Avenue Road and Lauder Street. 

Start provides free and confidential treatment and support to help individuals regain control of their lives, regardless of the level of support required. If accessing the service is a challenge, individuals are encouraged to reach out, as flexible arrangements can be made to meet in various community settings across Hartlepool. 
Email: hellostart@hartlepool.gov.uk
Phone: (01429) 285000
Website: www.starthartlepool.co.uk