Plans approved for geek café and shop to expand by taking over former nail salon

Geek Retreat
-Credit: (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)


Plans have been approved for a café and shop specialising in "geek culture" to expand by taking over a neighbouring property.

Geek Retreat first opened at 105 York Road, in Hartlepool, in April last year, marking the franchise's 50th store in the United Kingdom. The business sells merchandise including figures, posters, clothing, comics and trading cards, as well as having a café serving items such as burgers, nachos, toasties and milkshakes.

Proposals were submitted earlier this year by Adam Bingham to Hartlepool Council for the store to expand by taking over the ground floor of the neighbouring property at 103 York Road, which was last used as a nail salon.

A report from local authority planning officers has confirmed the application has been approved, noting it will "allow for the occupation of a vacant commercial unit in the town centre". Proposals outline the development will increase table space for customers and take potential seating from 40 to 60, while it will also allow them to display more of their stock.

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