Key Supply Chain Engagement Event to be held for PS Wingfield Castle Restoration

The event will take place on Thursday 26 June 2025 between 9.30am and 11.30am in the Sir William Grey Suite at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool. It will share key information and details of upcoming opportunities for the restoration project which is due to begin later this year.

It is part of a wider regeneration programme of Hartlepool Waterfront, which will include the transformation of the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the opening of Highlight, Hartlepool’s new active wellbeing hub.

The Wingfield Castle is a proud symbol of Hartlepool’s shipbuilding past and is recognised as part of the National Historic Fleet, marking it as a vessel of pre-eminent national significance. Built in 1934, the paddle steamer served as a ferry on the Humber Estuary before becoming a much-loved fixture at the Museum of Hartlepool.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Chair of Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “The Wingfield Castle is a much-loved part of Hartlepool’s maritime heritage, and this restoration is a key part of our vision for Hartlepool’s Waterfront.

“We want to ensure that as many businesses as possible are aware of the opportunities involved in this project including local Hartlepool and Tees Valley-based businesses. That is why we are hosting this supply chain engagement event to spread awareness for businesses to support us with these really exciting plans and play their part in restoring a key piece of Hartlepool’s history.”

The event agenda will include:

· An overview of the PS Wingfield Castle restoration and the wider Hartlepool Waterfront regeneration programme.

· Details of the expected upcoming contract tender packages, including opportunities in metalwork, engineering, joinery, scaffolding, marine services and conservation.

· Guidance on public sector procurement processes and how local businesses can get involved including support with accessing the procurement portal.

· Networking opportunity to connect local suppliers with larger contractors and speak with representatives from the project team.

· Dockside visit to the PS Wingfield Castle and Trincomalee Wharf.

The Council is keen to ensure that the economic benefits of the restoration are felt locally. By connecting local suppliers with potential principal contractors, the event aims to make it easier for local businesses to participate—whether directly or as part of a wider supply chain.

The event is open to all, including sole traders and specialist craftspeople. Attendees will receive advance materials to help them prepare and make the most of the networking opportunities on the day.

For more information or to register your interest through the event page here: www.hartlepool.gov.uk/wingfieldcastleindustryengagementevent