£120M housing scheme moves forward
Work on a transformational £120million waterfront housing development could begin by the end of this year after existing planning permission was confirmed for several locations.
Plans for a mixed 650-home scheme alongside additional retail, leisure and medical facilities across multiple key brownfield sites in Hartlepool were backed by Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) in March.
HDC Board members were given an update on the progress of the project at the most recent board meeting.
Members were informed that work on the housing and commercial scheme could begin by the end of this year on four of the seven proposed locations after receiving confirmation that planning permission approved by Hartlepool Borough Council in 2003 is in place.
The applications will require a Section 73 amendment which will seek to amend the existing approval for approximately 900 apartments to allow for a mix of housing types and apartments.
A full planning application is expected to be required for the three remaining areas.
The 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.
Proposed locations 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 programme at Hartlepool waterfront, which includes Highlight, Hartlepool’s new £34.5m active wellbeing hub now under-construction, the 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 under the Council’s Hartlepool Town Deal programme are planned to improve the connectivity between the Waterfront and town centre following the completion of a new route from the Marina to Seaton Carew.
Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen said: “A major benefit of the Development Corporation is that we can move quickly in delivering vital regeneration to areas of Hartlepool which have stood neglected for far too long.
“It’s great news that work can start as early as the end of this year and people will soon be able to see this development taking shape - transforming derelict brownfield sites and providing fantastic homes for local people.”
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 Urban Village and Coast Connectivity.
Cllr Tom Feeney, Deputy Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation Board Member, said: ‘"It's fantastic to see this derelict brownfield land being brought back into use to build much needed homes for Hartlepool people.
“These private sector investments alongside the ambitious regeneration programme led by Hartlepool Borough Council, including the creation of the new Production Village, launch of two new skills academies and Highlight, our new active wellbeing hub, means that together we are working to deliver a brighter future for Hartlepool.
“Since our new administration took over the Council in May, we are focused on ensuring that we support growth and investment within our borough at every opportunity."
Jomast has long established links to Hartlepool. Owners of the iconic Wesley Chapel, it is working closely with Hartlepool Borough Council through the Hartlepool Town Deal and is currently restoring the Grade II listed building to bring it back into to use as a boutique hospitality venue.
The company also provided essential support in the redevelopment of Hartlepool Railway Station as landowner of neighbouring sites.
Stuart Monk, Jomast Managing Director, said: “As a local company within the Tees area, we are committed to creating high quality, sustainable developments.
“Working closely with the HDC and Hartlepool Council we are confident that we can deliver an exemplary scheme at Hartlepool Marina that will significantly benefit the local community and the town.”
Housebuilder Persimmon Homes has been secured by Jomast as delivery partner for the 650-home development.