Major boost for waterfront regeneration

A water activity centre and public realm works to create grassed areas, a sculpture trail, boundary seating and new LED lighting aim to provide “a statement of intent” for the future transformation of the former Jacksons Landing site and surrounding area.

A joint meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Finance and Policy and Regeneration Services Committees approved the projects and agreed to allocate £1.445 million from the authority’s regeneration schemes budget.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Chair of the Regeneration Services Committee, said: “As the Hartlepool Waterfront site will be developed in phases over a period of time it is important to deliver a series of initial projects to attract interest and potential investment and to begin to change the perception of the site.”

Councillor Kevin Cranney at the Hartlepool Waterfront site

The long-term plan is to develop the Hartlepool Waterfront as a landmark destination with a mix of civic, cultural, leisure and visitor attractions to complement the restaurants, cafes, bars and shops within the wider Hartlepool Marina area.

Councillor Cranney added: “The development of Hartlepool Waterfront as a landmark destination was identified as a key priority in the Hartlepool Vision and is seen as key to unlocking the full potential of Hartlepool’s visitor economy.

“However, targeted intervention is required to lever in and secure future private sector investment.

"These proposals will change the perception of the site and attract more people which will, in turn, bring economic benefits and start to transform the visitor economy of the town.”

The proposed public realm works will be subject to public consultation during February, with residents and businesses being given the opportunity to comment. It is proposed to start work on site in September following the Hartlepool Waterfront Festival.

The proposals aim to provide much-needed green space within the centre of Hartlepool, and include the creation of a garden around the historic Highlight structure.

The plan for a water activity centre has been developed in partnership with Hartlepool Marina Ltd. It intends to use former Olympic press cabins and containers to provide reception, marketing and changing facilities, and storage space to create a hub for the expansion of the water-based activities that it currently offers.