Plans to turn a landmark former hotel site into apartments are at risk of being shelved and the building faces being sold unless new investors come forward.
Acland Homes acquired The Staincliffe Hotel, in Seaton Carew, in July 2023 from Seaside Inns and outlined plans to redevelop the land for residential purposes. Bosses at the house builder said a scheme to deliver 35 apartments has been developed and is ready to be submitted to Hartlepool Council in a bid to gain planning permission.
However Stephen Litherland, managing director at Acland Homes, stated there has now “been a change in circumstance with one of the investors” for the scheme. He said this leaves them with “two options”, either selling the site or trying to find another investor or partner to deliver the residential proposals.
Mr Litherland added: “Our preference is the latter option as we have committed a lot of time, effort and capital to the project and are invested in seeing the site being redeveloped. This type of project requires significant investment and in these circumstances small and medium sized companies like ours generally rely on some help from external investors. If this is not possible then with regret we would look to sell the site on.”
Following its closure on Boxing Day 2023 the building, which dates back to 1869, was boarded up to keep the property secure. Hartlepool residents were invited to a housing consultation in November 2023 to see planned proposals for the future of the site, which would see the historic landmark brought to the ground.
Inside The Staincliffe Hotel in Seaton Carew
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
Initially a scheme was drawn up to provide 41 luxury and duplex apartments across four storeys. However bosses at Acland Homes revised the proposals following opposition from members of the public to provide a smaller number of apartments over three storeys.
Mr Litherland said: “We have been progressing with pre-application discussions and all of the relevant surveys and reports that are required to support a planning application and have ended up with a scheme of 35 apartments that is now fully ready to go.” He added anyone interested in becoming an investor/partner for the project or purchasing the site can contact him on 07516 257967.
The building was previously home to a 21 bedroom hotel, restaurant and bar and sits on a “substantial site” of approximately 1.45acres, according to Acland Homes.
Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send you the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.