Public consultation launched for Hartlepool regeneration project
Locals in the north-eastern town are currently being asked for their opinions on a masterplan to transform the centre of Hartlepool.
At the beginning of this year, Michael Gove announced plans to regenerate both Hartlepool and Middlesbrough through two new development corporations. The Levelling Up Secretary said Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, will receive new powers, which were granted in June, with the corporations to help contribute to the projects.
These new rules will help authorities to acquire, develop, hold, and dispose of land, in a bid to speed up regeneration progress.
Zooming in on plans to regenerate Hartlepool, of which construction is already underway, developers are working to revitalise the waterfront and the Church Street area with an aim to transforming it into a hub for creative industries.
In addition, plans also include refurbishing the former post office building to turn it into a centre for business start-ups in the creative industries sector and building up to 1,300 new homes.
Against this backdrop, Tees Valley Mayor, Lord Houchen said contributing ideas and opinions on the scheme offered a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ to help ‘get things moving.’
‘This document will give us a clear framework to help speed up planning processes while making sure anyone who comes to the board with a proposition knows exactly what we’re looking for,’ Lord Houchen said. ‘This will cut down on speculative proposals and free up resources so we can kick-start the change we want to see sooner rather than later.’
Alongside this, the Tees Valley Combined Authority has committed £10m to Hartlepool to help with the project.
The area included in Hartlepool’s Development Corporation will encompass Oakesway Business Park, Queens Meadow Business Park, retail, and leisure land – including Mill House Leisure Centre and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, as well as public realm and civic buildings.
Due to run until 10th September, the consultation will deliver an approval on the plans two weeks later.
Image: TVCA
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