A vision for a £120million housing and commercial development planned for Hartlepool waterfront as part of major regeneration efforts has been backed.
Hartlepool Development Corporation has approved to progress work on proposals for a mixed 650-home development alongside additional retail, leisure and medical facilities across several key brownfield sites.
The Development Corporation is working with Jomast on the scheme, which is expected to deliver significant job and investment opportunities.
The waterfront development will provide a mix of family, young professional, retirement, and affordable housing, both for rent and sale at attractive, sustainable locations near the Town Centre while also delivering public space improvements and improved connectivity with the town’s railway station.
Proposed locations for the multi-site development include land off Maritime Avenue near Hartlepool Railway Station and land off Slake Terrace at Hartlepool Marina.
The plans will complement Hartlepool Borough Council’s regeneration efforts at Hartlepool waterfront, which includes the under-construction £34.5m Highlight Leisure Centre, expansion of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, refurbishment of the Museum of Hartlepool and the restoration of the Wingfield Castle.
Further works are planned to improve the connectivity between the waterfront, town centre and Seaton Carew.
Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen said: “We want Hartlepool to be an even more fantastic place to live and work. To do that, we want to move fast and get on developing these important sites – several of which have stood empty for too long.
“This will deliver the quality housing and facilities the town needs in key locations, and we are delighted to be working with Jomast on this development. It shows how the Development Corporation is already making a huge difference to the regeneration and growth of the town.”
Work on the development is expected to begin later this year with construction of the first new homes commencing in early 2025.
The proposals also set out an ambition to develop leisure facilities such as cafés, bars, restaurants, and retail properties.
The development will be located across two designated Development Corporation focus areas of ‘Urban Village’ and ‘Town to the Sea’.
Welcoming the news, Cllr Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation Board Member, said: ‘‘The scale of investment that Hartlepool is witnessing right now is incredible.
“Both from regeneration projects led by Hartlepool Borough Council, including the creation of the new Production Village, the reimagining of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre through the Hartlepool Town Deal but now we are also witnessing private sector investment through the Hartlepool Development Corporation. Together these investments will deliver a brighter future for Hartlepool.’’
Jomast has long-established links to Hartlepool. Owners of the iconic Wesley Chapel, it is working closely with Hartlepool Borough Council to redevelop the Grade II listed building to bring it back into use.
The company also provided essential support in the redevelopment of Hartlepool Railway Station as landowner of neighbouring sites.
Stuart Monk, Jomast Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that the Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Mayoral Development Board have backed our ambitious plans for the transformation of Hartlepool Marina.
“Our development will deliver over 650 homes for people from all walks of life, bring new facilities to the area, create a new entrance to the rail station with improved pedestrian access to the marina, and generate employment opportunities and additional income for Hartlepool Council.
“It builds upon our existing commitment to Hartlepool, which includes regenerating the former Wesley Chapel, and we expect to start building the first new homes later this year.”
Housebuilder Persimmon Homes has been secured by Jomast as delivery partner for the 650-home development.
Richard Holland, Land and Planning Director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said “We are delighted to be working alongside Jomast, Hartlepool Development Corporation and Hartlepool Borough Council to realise the development potential of this brownfield regeneration scheme.
“The site offers excellent opportunities to offer modern, attractive family dwellings in the centre of Hartlepool. The site will create a unique urban living setting with fantastic connections to existing services as well as the views over the sea and marina."
