Major grant paves the way for historic tower to reopen 

Hartlepool Borough Council has been awarded £302,383 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development (MEND) Fund for urgent repairs to the clock tower of Hartlepool Art Gallery.

The Council is one of four cultural organisations in the North East to receive funding in this round of awards.

Built in 1854, the Grade II* listed building was formerly the Christ Church before its conversion to its present use during the 1990s.

The 120 ft high tower has been closed to the public since 2018 due to the cost of repairs being beyond the scope of the Council’s day-to-day maintenance budgets.

The work will include repairs to the stonework, roof, external platform and windows, and improvements to the electrical safety systems.

The investment is part of a wider strategic plan to develop the Art Gallery.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding. It’s yet another substantial piece of investment to support the wider regeneration that we are absolutely focused on and are driving ahead in Hartlepool. 

“The Art Gallery tower is a much-loved feature of Hartlepool and a key part of the town’s historical and cultural heritage.

“Thanks to this funding we will be able to carry out these urgent, essential repairs and reopen the tower to the public, which in turn will play an important part in supporting the sustainability of the Art Gallery as a whole.

“Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the spectacular outlook from the top of the tower as well as being able to see the beautiful bells and the fascinating clock mechanism.

“The stunning bird’s eye view will also enable people to make the visual connection between our major regeneration projects around the town, including the Wesley Chapel, Highlight and the wider Waterfront developments.”

Detailed plans for the repairs will be drawn up in the spring and, subject to Listed Building permissions, the work is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The MEND Fund is part of the Government’s long-term plan to support local economies, allowing them to grow. It will support capital projects at museums, fund important repairs and improve the visitor experience.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves in front of the Hartlepool Art Gallery tower