Hartlepool Art Gallery to Close an Hour Earlier Following Council Decision...

Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Street

Decision said to bring the council run service in line with other services across the region according to reports seen by the Teesside & Durham Post...

29th October 2025

Hartlepool Borough Council has quietly approved a change to the opening hours of Hartlepool Art Gallery, with the venue now set to close an hour earlier at 4pm instead of 5pm each day.

The decision, signed off by Gemma Ptak of the council’s Adult and Community Based Services Department on 20th October 2025, was made under delegated powers without requiring a Cabinet or Committee vote.

According to the Officer Decision Record seen by the Teesside & Durham Post, the move is designed to allow gallery staff to “carry out essential end-of-day duties securely and in a safe environment without the need to continue providing public access and support during this time.”

A recent internal audit reportedly concluded that staff were struggling to complete important financial and security tasks — such as banking, end-of-day checks, cleaning, and furniture setup for events — while members of the public were still in the building.

Its said that between 4pm and 5pm, only two staff members were typically on site, often leaving just one person at the reception desk.

Low Visitor Numbers Used to Justify Change

Visitor data collected between 31st May and 26th August 2025 showed that just 51 people visited between 4pm and 5pm — averaging less than one visitor per day. The report notes that numbers are expected to fall further during the winter months, with council officers arguing that the early closure brings the gallery’s hours “in line with other similar attractions” in the region. Nearby venues such as The Dorman Museum, Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, and Woodhorn Museum all close at 4pm, while others like MIMA and Laing Gallery close at 4.30pm.

Critics May Question Transparency

While the decision is classified as a “Non-Key Decision”, meaning it did not require wider consultation or approval from elected members, some residents may question whether the change was sufficiently publicised before being implemented.

Hartlepool Art Gallery — one of the town’s few remaining cultural attractions — has long faced challenges attracting visitors amid funding pressures and reduced investment in local arts. The earlier closing time could be seen by some as another blow to the town’s cultural life, particularly for visitors and families who prefer to visit after school or work.

The approved change to 4pm is expected to take effect immediately.