Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with the Hartlepool Board has launched a major new investment programme designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, support community organisations and enhance the
Through the Hartlepool Community Asset Capital Improvement Grant, voluntary and community organisations can now apply for up to £20,000 in capital funding to improve, modernise and future‑proof the buildings and facilities residents rely on every day.
This investment forms part of Hartlepool’s Pride in Place Programme, funded through the UK Government’s £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund. The programme recognises that while major regeneration schemes are essential for Hartlepool's long‑term economic future, investment in grassroots community assets is equally vital in ensuring the borough remains a strong, connected and resilient place to live.
Community buildings – including youth centres, faith venues, cultural spaces, and local hubs – provide essential services, support wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen local identity and give residents places to come together. However, many across Hartlepool face pressures linked to ageing infrastructure, rising energy costs and accessibility challenges. The new grant programme provides financial support to ensure these valued spaces can continue to serve local people for generations to come.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We have talked a lot in recent months about the exciting regeneration efforts going on across Hartlepool right now, but regeneration is about much more than bricks, mortar and large‑scale developments. It’s also about the fabric of our neighbourhoods, the strength of our communities and the spaces where people come together, support each other and take pride in where they live.
“Our Pride in Place programme reflects that. By investing in community assets, we are investing directly in the heart of Hartlepool. These buildings are where people learn, connect, create and look after one another, and they play an essential role in making Hartlepool a great place to live. This grant programme ensures that our communities have the modern, accessible and welcoming facilities they deserve.
“This is only the beginning of the investment and over the coming weeks we will also be launching a business grants programme to further support local companies across Hartlepool”
The Hartlepool Community Asset Capital Improvement Grant is open to local charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, not‑for‑profits, and faith‑based organisations (where the asset serves the wider community).
Funding can be used for refurbishment, essential repairs, efficiency upgrades, accessibility improvements, modernisation, construction of new spaces and other capital works.
This grant programme also aligns closely with the work of the Hartlepool Board, which is progressing its long‑term plan to invest £20 million over the next 10 years into the borough. The Board’s Investment Plan has been shaped directly by local people, with more than 1,400 residents taking part in last summer’s consultation to identify the priorities most important to communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Hartlepool Board, Malcolm Walker, Chair, said: “People in Hartlepool were clear about what matters to them – strong neighbourhoods, vibrant community spaces and opportunities that bring people together. The investment plan is built on their voices, their aspirations and their hopes for the future.
“Working alongside the Council, we are committed to making long‑term, meaningful improvements that residents can see and feel in their everyday lives. The new grant scheme to boost community assets is a really exciting development and it has been a very long time since grants like this have been available so I would urge as many eligible organisations as possible to apply.”
Applications are open now and will close on Monday 2 March 2026. Completed forms and the required supporting documents should be submitted to prideinplace@hartlepool.gov.uk.
Full guidance is available here.