Huge cash boost for Hartlepool as Town Deal approved

They have hailed the approval of the Hartlepool Town Deal as a “game changer”, saying it has the potential to transform the town.

Development proposals include further town centre regeneration, including the re-imagining of the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre to create a clearly-defined mixed heart for the town centre; connectivity improvements to better link the marina, town centre and railway station; and health and civil engineering training institutes that will enable local people to develop new skills.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “To get the full amount that we bid for is tremendous news, and means that we are now able to press ahead with our ambitious plans.

“The Town Deal is a real game changer in terms of shaping the town’s future, and its importance cannot be overstated. I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in securing this money, their hard work and commitment to the town is much appreciated.”

Councillor Paddy Brown, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, added: “The impact of the proposed developments in their own right will be huge, but they will also act as a catalyst for further investment in the town.”

Hartlepool was one of 100 towns across England invited to develop innovative regeneration plans and potentially secure up to £25 million through the Government’s Towns Fund initiative.

As part of the process of securing a Town Deal, a Town Investment Plan setting out proposed developments and how they would be delivered within a five-year period was drafted. Work on this was carried out throughout 2020 – a very challenging time due to the pandemic - and submitted to the Government at the end of January.  

The whole process was led by the Hartlepool Town Deal Board - chaired by local businessman Alby Pattison and comprising representatives of the local public, private and voluntary sectors - and shaped by consultation with the local community.

Now that the Town Deal has been approved, work will begin in earnest to develop projects in more detail, with further input from local residents seen as vital.

Mr Pattison said: “During the development of the Town Investment Plan, the consultation process was well supported by local people and businesses, a factor which undoubtedly helped us to secure the £25 million. I’d like to thank everyone for their invaluable contributions and would urge them to stay involved. We will be providing more details of how they can do that in due course.”

More information about the Town Investment Plan and Hartlepool Town Deal is available at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/HartlepoolTownDeal