News

29-04-2026

Planning permission granted for major Queens Meadow employment development in Hartlepool

Hellens Group has secured planning permission for a major employment development at Queens Meadow Business Park in Hartlepool, marking a significant step forward for one of the borough’s key commercial growth sites.

The approval, granted by Hartlepool Development Corporation, covers outline planning permission for up to 677,250 sq ft of employment floorspace, alongside full planning permission for 14 employment buildings with associated infrastructure, access and landscaping.

The site, which is already home to businesses and organisations including Pro-Pipe and Cleveland Fire Brigade’s headquarters, is expected to play an important role in supporting the continued growth of Queens Meadow Business Park and the wider Hartlepool economy.

The approval comes as Queens Meadow is also being put forward as part of a national AI Growth Zone bid, submitted to Government by a partnership including Hellens Group, a national data centre operator and an investment firm.

The proposal identifies Queens Meadow, alongside Burtree Garden Village in Darlington, as potential locations for nationally significant AI infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the Government process.

The development will provide new space for businesses in use Classes B2 and B8, supporting general industrial, storage and distribution uses. It represents a major step in the continued transformation of Queens Meadow and the wider ambitions for Hartlepool’s economic development.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for this important development at Queens Meadow.

“This is a major employment site with enormous potential to support business growth, attract investment and create jobs for Hartlepool.

“Queens Meadow is already an established and well-connected business location, and this approval allows us to move forward with plans to bring more high-quality employment space to the borough.

“It also comes at an important time, with Queens Meadow being put forward as part of a national AI Growth Zone bid. The site has the power capacity and location needed to support new investment and skilled employment in Hartlepool.”

The planning application was approved by Hartlepool Development Corporation on 20 April 2026.