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Wesley memories: 18 pictures of historic Hartlepool building from the late 1800s to present day

Mark Payne
·2-min read
Some of the many memories of The Wesley in Hartlepool over the years. (Photo: Mail)
Some of the many memories of The Wesley in Hartlepool over the years. (Photo: Mail)

Perhaps you partied there in the Nineties and early 2000s when it operated as a busy nightclub or exercised in its gym.

Or for older generations, it may be where you worshipped or attended its youth club.

We have looked back through our archives to bring you a selection of pictures of the building from its earliest days right up to work starting on the latest regeneration project.

The Wesley welcomed many revellers during the 1990s to early 2000s after it was turned into a nightclub. This picture is of a disco night put on for teenagers in the late 90s. (Photo: Mail)
The Wesley welcomed many revellers during the 1990s to early 2000s after it was turned into a nightclub. This picture is of a disco night put on for teenagers in the late 90s. (Photo: Mail)
The Wesley Nightclub. (Photo: TC)
The Wesley Nightclub. (Photo: TC)
At the same time as being a nightclub, the Wesley also houses a plush gym and health club. Kerry Matthews is pictured here on one of the gym's exercise bikes. (Photo: OP)
At the same time as being a nightclub, the Wesley also houses a plush gym and health club. Kerry Matthews is pictured here on one of the gym's exercise bikes. (Photo: OP)
Did you take a dip in the gym's pool? (Photo: FLR)
Did you take a dip in the gym's pool? (Photo: FLR)
Another view of the health club from over 20 years ago. (Photo: FLR)
Another view of the health club from over 20 years ago. (Photo: FLR)
The gym had a good variety of fitness equipment. (Photo: FLR)
The gym had a good variety of fitness equipment. (Photo: FLR)
The Wesley chapel pictured in its heyday, resplendent with flag flying from the roof. The Grand Hotel had not been built when this photograph was taken dating it to pre 1899.To the right of the picture is Fountain Terrace. In the distance is the West Hartlepool Technical College. (Photo: Mail)
The Wesley chapel pictured in its heyday, resplendent with flag flying from the roof. The Grand Hotel had not been built when this photograph was taken dating it to pre 1899.To the right of the picture is Fountain Terrace. In the distance is the West Hartlepool Technical College. (Photo: Mail)
The Wesley chapel opened in 1873 and later additions included a schoolroom and social institute to reflect Methodist ideals of education, social responsibility and charitable work.This picture is of a fashion show in Wesley Hall but the date is unknown. (Photo: Hartlepool Mail)
The Wesley chapel opened in 1873 and later additions included a schoolroom and social institute to reflect Methodist ideals of education, social responsibility and charitable work.This picture is of a fashion show in Wesley Hall but the date is unknown. (Photo: Hartlepool Mail)
Wesley Chapel closed in 1973 and the building and square became overgrown for many years before being regenerated in the 1990s. (Photo: Hartlepool Mail)
Wesley Chapel closed in 1973 and the building and square became overgrown for many years before being regenerated in the 1990s. (Photo: Hartlepool Mail)
The Wesley was brought back into use following the Hartlepool City Challenge Project as shown by this banner. (Photo: Mail)
The Wesley was brought back into use following the Hartlepool City Challenge Project as shown by this banner. (Photo: Mail)
Who remembers The Emporium bar underneath the Wesley on Victoria Road which continued to serve customers for a number of years after the nightclub above closed down? (Photo: LH)
Who remembers The Emporium bar underneath the Wesley on Victoria Road which continued to serve customers for a number of years after the nightclub above closed down? (Photo: LH)
The Wesley (bottom centre left) as seen from the area sometime around 2010.
The Wesley (bottom centre left) as seen from the area sometime around 2010.
The Grade II listed Wesley was built by architects Hill and Swann and boasts fine carvings on its stone columns. (Photo: TC)
The Grade II listed Wesley was built by architects Hill and Swann and boasts fine carvings on its stone columns. (Photo: TC)
The Wesley was put on the market in September 2007. (Photo: GW)
The Wesley was put on the market in September 2007. (Photo: GW)
The building's first devastating fire in December 2017. (Photo: Mail)
The building's first devastating fire in December 2017. (Photo: Mail)
The 2017 fire gutted the Wesley and destroyed its roof. (Photo: TIM RICHARDSON)
The 2017 fire gutted the Wesley and destroyed its roof. (Photo: TIM RICHARDSON)
Paul Taylor, Strategic Development and Sustainability Manager with Dr Maxine Craig Hartlepool Town Deal Board inside the Wesley Chapel prior to work starting in March 2023 to convert it into a 36-bed boutique hotel. (Photo: Frank Reid)
Paul Taylor, Strategic Development and Sustainability Manager with Dr Maxine Craig Hartlepool Town Deal Board inside the Wesley Chapel prior to work starting in March 2023 to convert it into a 36-bed boutique hotel. (Photo: Frank Reid)
A large crane was brought in for work to the roof just last month. Picture by FRANK REID
A large crane was brought in for work to the roof just last month. Picture by FRANK REID