People invited to have their say on the transformation of Hartlepool

Local people are today (15 August) being asked for their views on one of the key documents that will help shape the regeneration of Hartlepool.

The Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation – established to supercharge the redevelopment of the town – recently launched its Masterplan which sets out its high-level vision for the town:

Imaginative, Creative & Ambitious – A 21st-century maritime town; a thriving place to live, work, explore and invest.

Now people are being urged to comment on the Draft Design Code for the zone, which underpins the Masterplan by supporting new development and helping the Development Corporation carry out its planning functions by providing over-arching principles to guide decision-making.

It will also give developers and investors a clear understanding of what types of development will be supported within the area.

This will play a critical role in supporting the ambitions of the HDC and Masterplan, to make a vibrant town centre, attract 2,000 new and quality jobs, renew Hartlepool’s waterfront and build up to 1,300 new homes.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“We’ve got a once-in-a-generation opportunity to supercharge development and bring new jobs and investment to Hartlepool, and this is one of the final pieces of the puzzle to get things moving for local people.

“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. This will cut down on speculative proposals and free up resource so we can kick-start the change we want to see sooner rather than later.

“We made it clear in the Masterplan that we would continue to engage and communicate openly and transparently with those living in Hartlepool and potential investors – so this is their chance to air their views on this vital document.”

Cllr Mike Young, HDC Board Member and Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said:

“The Masterplan sets out a tremendously exciting and inspiring vision for the further revitalisation of Hartlepool.

“It complements the major regeneration projects already being carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council and its partners – Hartlepool is growing and the Council’s firm mission is to encourage businesses to make their home here, bringing large scale investment and jobs.

“The Design Code will play a vital part in achieving those goals, underpinning as it does the Masterplan and providing clarity to potential investors and developers. I would strongly encourage people to take part in the consultation and have their say in helping to shape this key document which will play an important part in Hartlepool’s future.”

The consultation is open from today and will run until midnight on 10 September. The Hartlepool Development Corporation Board will be provided with a summary of the comments received on the draft design code, along with the final Design Code for approval, at its meeting on 25 September.

Find out more and read the Draft Design Code at www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/HDC.

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