Communities and organisations across Hartlepool are being invited to turn ideas into action as the borough’s £20 million Pride in Place programme reaches a major new milestone.
The programme is moving into a delivery phase with the launch of its first open call for proposals, giving communities and organisations the opportunity to apply for funding for projects which address local priorities across Hartlepool.
Up to £200,000 of capital funding is available, with a focus on improving parks, public spaces and beaches and investing in community assets and neighbourhood spaces.
The Government’s Pride in Place programme is led locally by the Hartlepool Board, a partnership which brings together community representatives, businesses, public services, educational institutions and strategic partners to deliver a shared vision for Hartlepool. The programme is focused on giving residents and communities a greater role in shaping investment and delivering change within their neighbourhoods.
Malcolm Walker, Chair of the Hartlepool Board, said: “This is an exciting moment for Pride in Place because we are moving from listening and planning to delivering visible improvements in Hartlepool’s communities.
“Local people have told us clearly what matters to them. Now we want communities and organisations to come forward with ambitious ideas that can improve the places people use every day, whether that is a park, a beach, a community building or an important neighbourhood space.
“This first £200,000 funding call is only the beginning. Pride in Place is a ten-year opportunity to put local people at the heart of investment and create lasting change which communities can see, feel and be proud of.”
The local Pride in Place programme has been shaped by one of the most extensive community engagement exercises ever undertaken in Hartlepool. During summer 2025, more than 1,400 residents were engaged through community conversations, surveys, workshops and events. More than 900 meaningful face-to-face conversations took place, with residents engaged in all 12 Hartlepool Borough Council wards. Alongside residents, engagement was also undertaken with voluntary and community organisations, businesses, schools, colleges, and faith groups.
Applications in this first funding round are being invited under two key priorities.
The first, enhancing and activating parks, public spaces and beaches, could cover projects such as:
- improvements to parks and green spaces
- beach and coastal enhancements
- outdoor community infrastructure
- play and recreation facilities
- community gardens and growing spaces
- seating, landscaping and environmental improvements
- projects encouraging more people to use and enjoy public spaces
- improvements to historic spaces and heritage-related enhancements
The second priority, community assets and neighbourhood spaces, could include:
- refurbishment of community buildings
- improvements to local facilities, community hubs and meeting spaces
- improvements to neighbourhood assets
- bringing under-used assets back into use
- infrastructure which increases community participation
- refurbishment or enhancement of historic buildings and heritage assets
The deadline for funding applications to be submitted is 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026. Organisations and groups interested in applying can access the prospectus, application guidance, application form and further information at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/prideinplace Following assessment, funding recommendations are expected to be made in early 2027.
Hartlepool Opportunities Partnership (HOP) has been commissioned by the Board to provide support and guidance to organisations and groups developing proposals. To access support, email myprideinplace@hopvcse.org.uk
Councillor Dave Bruce, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I would encourage local groups and organisations to think boldly, bring forward strong ideas and make the most of this opportunity.
“This is about investing in places, but more importantly it is about investing in people and pride in Hartlepool. We want to see projects that make a genuine difference, strengthen communities and leave a positive legacy for years to come.
“With £20 million being invested in Hartlepool over the next ten years, we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver lasting change. The Council is determined to work with our communities and partners to ensure that people right across the borough feel the benefits.”
Residents with project ideas can share these through the Community Ideas route. Although Community Ideas will not be assessed as part of this first funding round, they will help shape future phases of the Pride in Place programme and inform future investment opportunities. Ideas can be submitted at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/prideinplace, where residents can also access further information about Pride in Place and the support available from HOP.