Holiday Village Plans for Former Domes Site at Seaton Carew...
- Oct 7, 2025
- 3 min read
The 10 acre plot of land, formally home to the Sports Domes could be brought back into use as a Holliday Village, according to plans submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council...
7th October 2025
Proposal's have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council which could finally breathe life back into the derelict former Sports Domes site on Tees Road, Seaton Carew..
The plans, outlined in a Planning Statement prepared by consultant Damien Wilson in July 2025, seek outline permission to create a new “Seaton Holiday Village” featuring up to 60 static holiday lodges...
A Fresh Vision for a Long-Neglected Site
The 10-acre plot, once home to the ambitious but short-lived Sports Domes leisure complex, has stood largely abandoned for years—plagued by vandalism, fly-tipping, and unauthorised use. The new plans aim to transform the site into a year-round tourism destination whilst cleaning up one of Seaton Carew’s most visible eyesores.
The development would reportedly include:
Up to 60 static holiday lodges, classed as caravans under the Caravan Act
A new access road and car parking for guests, visitors, and staff
On-site leisure and hospitality facilities including a bar, restaurant and function suite
Landscaping and tree planting to screen the site from nearby homes
Replacing Failure with Opportunity
The original Sports Domes project opened to much fanfare but quickly failed. It once hosted five-a-side football pitches, golf simulators, a spa, and even an adventure golf course before financial issues forced its closure. Since then, the land has been blighted by illegal fly tipping and antisocial behaviour, with the council taking enforcement action multiple times.
The applicant has reportedly since worked with the council to tidy the land, clear waste, and remove unauthorised fencing ahead of submitting the new plans, with the latest proposals said to be the largest and most ambitious since the Domes’ closure.
The proposal argues that Seaton Carew is “ideally placed” to attract tourists due to its proximity to the beach, the RSPB’s Saltholme Reserve, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and the Heugh Battery Museum. An Economic Impact Assessment submitted with the application claims the project would create new local jobs, as well as Boosting the local economy & support Hartlepool’s growing tourism economy
Community Concerns
But its uncertain at this early state as to whether the plans will come up against any objections from the local community, or whether the business plan for the site is appropriate, given the sites close proximity to the controversial Seaton Meadows Landfill site which it just within walking distance of the proposed site. Whilst its claimed early engagement with nearby businesses and councillors reportedly found “broad support” for the plan, some nearby residents have reportedly expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and visual impact. The developers are said to have responded to this by promising additional tree planting, sound mitigation measures, and design restrictions on fencing and lighting.
A Step Toward Regeneration, or another 'Pipe Dream' ?
The developers see the Seaton Holiday Village as “a first step” towards a broader masterplan to regenerate the entire Domes site, potentially adding a swimming pool and more lodges in future phases.
After years of failed ventures and dereliction, the project could finally turn the long-criticised Domes site into a community and tourism asset—if the council agrees, with a target decision date expected around January of 2026.
