Hartlepool launches Levelling Up Fund bid

The bid focuses on three projects forming part of the ongoing regeneration of Hartlepool and builds on investment through the recently announced £25 million of Government Towns Fund money – as well as Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority investment.

The central themes of the Levelling Up Fund criteria are culture, transport and town centre regeneration. Bids for round one of the funding are to be submitted on Friday 18 June.

The Council already has well-developed plans for the town centre to ensure it is fit for the future and a desirable visitor destination, which provides the ideal opportunity to align this funding opportunity with its existing ambitions.

If successful with its bid, Hartlepool Borough Council would use the £20 million towards three key projects:

1. To deliver enhanced carbon saving measures to make Highlight – Hartlepool’s new leisure centre – more energy efficient and sustainable.
2. Refurbishment and expansion of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.
3. A new cycling and pedestrian bridge to better link Hartlepool Waterfront, the town centre and the railway station.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We already have exciting plans for Hartlepool and there is clear alignment with these existing ambitions and the opportunity for Levelling Up funding. 

“We’re seizing this opportunity and a great deal of work has gone into this to ensure that we meet the criteria and stand a great chance of being successful in securing investment into our communities that could be transformed by a £20 million bid.”

Councillor Paddy Brown, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, added: “To successfully bid for £25 million from the Government’s Towns Deal was great news and I hope our bid to the Levelling Up Fund will be equally successful.

“Refurbishment and expansion of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool would ensure it continues to develop as a visitor destination of national significance.

“We also know that connectivity improvements to better link the marina, town centre and railway station will make it far easier for residents and visitors to move around the town and so many people are looking forward to our new leisure centre opening in 2024.”

A decision on the outcome of the bids for round one is expected in autumn 2021.