Multi-million pound performing arts centre set to open in Hartlepool

A multi-million pound performing arts centre is set to open in Hartlepool, following a council decision to take it over.

The Northern Lights Academy adjacent to St Hild's Church of England School in King Oswy Drive, is home to facilities and equipment for dance, music, film production and other performing arts.

The intention is to provide high-tech training opportunities for young people from the building and make it available for wider community use.

The centre is set to open its doors in September, following a decision by Hartlepool Council’s Finance and Policy Committee to acquire the freehold from the Diocese of Durham.

It had closed in 2011 shortly before it could officially open to the public.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Finance and Policy Committee, said:

The NLA was built following a bid to the Big Lottery Fund MyPlace programme by the Headland Development Trust which closed in 2011 - shortly before the facility was due to officially open.

The Diocese of Durham then took over the building and ran it alongside neighbouring St Hild’s School. When this became unsustainable, the Diocese asked Hartlepool Council to take over the building.

The Council agreed and mothballed the building to reduce running costs and protect the fabric of the building whilst a permanent solution for its future was sought.

Councillor Akers-Belcher said:

He said the council has no intention of taking on full responsibility for the original funding liabilities of the NLA MyPlace scheme which currently rests with the Education Funding Agency and the Cabinet Office, and both Government departments have indicated a willingness to negotiate in order to mitigate all risks for the Council.