Client: Hartlepool Borough Council

Planning Solutions Consulting was commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council to carry out a feasibility study for an events venue as part of a proposed visitor attraction offer.
The regeneration of Hartlepool is established as a key strategic priority of the council with the aim of bringing wealth creation and employment opportunities to the area. Developing the tourism market and the events marketplace is a fundamental aspect of this programme.

The waterfront site is a prominent site of just under 5 acres in close proximity to the Hartlepool branch of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. The site also lies opposite Hartlepool Marina which is the largest and most commercially successful of its kind in the North East of England.

The events’ venue feasibility study specifically analysed the commercial viability, feasibility and business modelling of providing a year-round events venue. The ambition was to create an events venue which would provide a number of opportunities at the Waterfront including festivals, concerts, street performing and cinema.

This was based on a market demand assessment and review of the competitive landscape to help identify any gaps in the events marketplace, along with an extensive programme of consultation. We also reviewed comparable event venues.

It was important to understand how the proposed events venue would:

• Align and deliver against regeneration ambitions
• Improve the events offer for local residents and tourists visiting Hartlepool
• Provide year-round events venue for residents and visitors
• Develop opportunities for other organisations to utilise the venue of the event
• Attract regional and national events / exhibitions / performances

How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our work please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 023 9248 1999 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk