One of Hartlepool’s best known buildings has been given a new lease of life after being refurbished to provide affordable homes.
Central Buildings on the town’s Church Street is owned by housing association Bernicia and after undergoing a recent refurbishment programme, now offers a range of one and two-bedroomed self-contained apartments and studios for rent.
The building was derelict until the mid-1990s when it was extensively refurbished, including having lifts installed and a full rebuild of the rear elevation. Bernicia’s recent refurbishment includes full redecoration of 10 flats and bedsits with new carpets and flooring, upgrades to electric showers, tiling and installation of new kitchens. Communal areas have also been spruced up with a new front door.
Gemma Alderson, housing services manager at Bernicia, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer affordable homes in one of Hartlepool’s most notable buildings. There’s a lot of investment going into Church Street and the surrounding area aimed at attracting more people to set up homes and businesses to create a thriving community.
“It’s great to see the progress being made so far and being part of the revitalisation of the town centre as a place where people can live and enjoy for generations to come.”
Central Buildings dates back to the early 1900s and soon after it opened in 1902 was occupied by a tobacconist, fruiter, bootmaker and tailor on the ground floor, and the Central Grill and Restaurant along with several offices on the second and third floors, including Lloyds Register of Shipping, Trechmann Shipping Co., Murrell Pae and Co., and the German Consul.
Church Street was once one of West Hartlepool’s central hubs, a mecca for shopping, hotels and cafes where magnificent trams used to grace the streets every day.
Anyone interested in renting a property at Central Buildings is invited to attend open days on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November, 10am-3pm where they can view the properties and find out more about being a Bernicia tenant – and enjoy a cuppa with the Bernicia team.
