A blueprint for Hartlepool’s future prosperity

The Hartlepool Inclusive Growth Strategy which runs until 2025, has been produced by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team.

Councillor Mike Young, Chair of the authority’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “The importance of the strategy cannot be overstated - it is a blueprint for boosting the prosperity of the town and, in turn, improving the lives of local people.”

The strategy has been developed following consultation with businesses and other key stakeholders on what they perceive to be the challenges facing the local economy and how these might be overcome.

It is based on three broad themes:

• Developing Place – transforming Hartlepool through capital investment, maximising the benefits of investment and promoting a new and exciting sense of place rooted in the best of what the town has to offer.
• Developing People – creating learning and employment opportunities to enable residents to develop the skills, qualifications and experience needed for well-paid, secure and rewarding jobs.
• Developing Business- creating an environment that encourages new start-ups, supports existing businesses and attracts external investors.

Councillor Mike Young, Chair of the Council's Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, with the strategy.

Linked to these themes, a ten-point action plan setting out a series of projects and initiatives has been developed.

These include developing a Production Village in the Lynn Street/Whitby Street area to support the town’s screen industries sector, strengthening the town’s tourism offer, a targeted support strategy for Hartlepool businesses, learning and skills initiatives, supporting and developing social enterprises, developing a vision and place brand for Hartlepool and raising the confidence and aspirations of young people.

Councillor Young said: “We’ve got an exciting and transformative vision for the town’s future, and we’ve already had some significant success with the approval of our £16.5 million bid to round 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund which will support the development of the Production Village.

“There are a number of other major regeneration schemes in the pipeline too – including the projects funded by the £25 million Hartlepool Town Deal and a new multi-million pound leisure centre at The Waterfront – which will also have a hugely positive affect on the town.

“But this strategy isn’t just about physical improvements, it also aims to invest in local people and put them in pole position to make the most of opportunities that will arise in the future.

“All in all, these are really exciting times to live, work and invest in Hartlepool.”

To find out more about investment opportunities in Hartlepool visit www.investinhartlepool.co.uk