Work has begun on a transformational £120million waterfront housing development in Hartlepool – creating hundreds of jobs and providing high quality homes for families.
The mixed scheme will see multiple brownfield sites developed for housing alongside retail, leisure and medical facilities.
Led by property developer and landowner Jomast and supported by Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) the development is the largest single investment in Hartlepool in a generation and a key project in the Development Corporation’s plans to regenerate the town.
It 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.
It will potentially include:
• Up to 650 new high-quality dwellings - 240 houses and 410 apartments - of two or three bedrooms.
• A potential new connection/entrance to Hartlepool Railway Station.
• 294 EV charging points.
Construction will support 410 jobs, including apprenticeship opportunities, while supporting local construction firms and suppliers in the supply chain.
Work has now started at three of the seven planned locations across Hartlepool Waterfront at sites near Maritime Avenue.
Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen, Jomast Managing Director Stuart Monk and Hartlepool Borough Council leader Councillor Brenda Harrison visited one of the sites to mark the start of groundworks.
Mayor Houchen said: “This is an outstanding example of how HDC can move quickly in delivering vital regeneration to areas of Hartlepool which have stood neglected for far too long.
“Spades are in the ground, bricks will soon be laid, and the people of Hartlepool can see for themselves how these unloved and derelict brownfield sites are being turned into great places for local people to live.
“It will also create hundreds of construction jobs, supporting fantastic local businesses and driving forward Hartlepool’s economy and improving its environment.”
The development will be located across two designated Development Corporation focus areas of Urban Village and Coast Connectivity.
The plans will complement Hartlepool Borough Council’s regeneration programme at Hartlepool waterfront, which includes Highlight, Hartlepool’s new £34.5m active wellbeing hub, which is now under-construction, refurbishment of the Museum of Hartlepool and the restoration of the Wingfield Castle.
Further works under the Council’s Hartlepool Town Deal programme include improving connectivity between the Waterfront and town centre following the completion of a new route from the Marina to Seaton Carew.
Cllr Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation Board Member, said: “One of the key priorities of our council is to bring derelict land and buildings across Hartlepool back into use and I am delighted that we have been able to work alongside the Tees Valley Mayor, Jomast and the Hartlepool Development Corporation Board to progress this exciting development.
“It will transform these derelict brownfield sites and bring much needed good quality and modern homes to Hartlepool.
"This project complements many other regeneration projects happening in Hartlepool right now and through the power of partnerships, we are delivering a brighter future for our town."
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's Managing Director, said: “The team at Jomast are delighted that the Development Corporation have given the go ahead for this important project which will enable delivery of exemplary housing and will benefit both Hartlepool and the wider area.”
