New Owners Save Seaton Carew's Staincliffe Building from Demolition

Strategic Insights -

The newly-formed Johnson Mcclurg Amateur Sport Foundation has acquired the former Staincliffe Hotel in Coronation Drive, Seaton Carew, which had been derelict for over a year-and-a-half. The foundation plans to renovate the building and use it as a training and administrative centre to support youth amateur sports development in the town. This move has thwarted Acland Homes' previous plans to demolish the historic building and construct 35 apartments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Johnson Mcclurg Amateur Sport Foundation has purchased the Staincliffe Hotel, a building that dates back to 1869, from Acland Homes.
  • The new owners will renovate the building to establish a training and administrative centre for youth amateur sports development in Seaton Carew.
  • The centre will support schoolchildren in participating in amateur sports through grants to local organisations, under the guidance of the local authority's school games organiser.
  • The trustees will engage with local schools to identify children for the program and rely on the school games organiser for nominations.
  • The Staincliffe had been for sale since an investor withdrew in 2023 due to a change in circumstances, and Stephen Litherland, managing director at Acland Homes, wished the new owners well with their new venture.
  • The hotel, restaurant, and bar had operated under a local hospitality firm but closed at Christmas 2023 due to running costs.
  • The renovation plans will focus on making the building safe and secure and carrying out essential repairs.

Statistics:

  • The Staincliffe Hotel was built in 1869.
  • The building had been derelict for over a year-and-a-half before the Johnson Mcclurg Amateur Sport Foundation's acquisition.
  • The foundation plans to establish a training and administrative centre in the renovated building.
  • 35 new apartments were initially proposed for the site by Acland Homes, under previous plans that are now scrapped.
  • The hotel, restaurant, and bar operated under a local hospitality firm but closed at Christmas 2023 due to running costs.

Sources:

  • Charity Commission website, for information on the Johnson Mcclurg Amateur Sport Foundation's purpose and structure.
  • The Spokesperson for the Johnson Mcclurg Amateur Sport Foundation, for quotes and details on the renovation plans.
  • Acland Homes, Stephen Litherland, managing director, for reaction to the sale and wishes for the new owners.