New development mooted for former Empire Theatre, Loftus

Outline planning permission was previously granted in 2023 paving the way for potential development of the former Empire Theatre, on the corner of Deepdale Road and Cowscote Crescent, for new apartments.

A new ‘reserved matters’ application submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council gives further detail of plans to demolish a derelict building replacing it with 20 flats, consisting of one and two bedrooms, along with parking.

A statement prepared by consultants Hartlepool-based Origin Planning Services on behalf of applicant Peter Hall said the proposed layout followed the principles agreed as part of the outline permission.

It said: “The proposed layout has been carefully developed in response to the site’s prominent corner position and sloping topography. 

“The scheme comprises a single apartment building accommodating 20 no 1 and 2 bed units, arranged to make efficient use of the site whilst maintaining a logical and legible form of development. 

“Adequate separation distances are achieved between the proposed development and adjacent properties, ensuring that privacy, outlook and residential amenity are preserved.”

The new development would be three storeys high with the statement explaining: “The scale of the development has been carefully considered in the context of the surrounding built environment, which features a mix of building heights and land levels. 

“The sloping nature of the site has been utilised to reduce the perceived scale and massing of the building, with elements of the lower ground floor partially set into the site. 

“This approach ensures that the development does not appear overly dominant within the street scene.”

It said the appearance would be of a “contemporary architectural approach”, while the combination of materials, detailing and façade treatment proposed “serves to break up the massing of the building and create visual interest, resulting in a high-quality and cohesive appearance”. 

Vehicle access would be from Deepdale Road with 21 car parking spaces provided.

The Empire Palace of Varieties as it was first known originally opened in 1911 showcasing variety acts and films. 

It was rebuilt and expanded in 1937, becoming known as simply the Empire Theatre.

The application site, a short distance away from Loftus Leisure Centre, later hosted the Regent Bingo Club, before re-opening as a cinema in 1977, closing for good six years later and subsequently being utilised for storage purposes.