Hartlepool businessmen calling for 'iconic' building on former Jackson's Landing to boost town's fortunes

Chair of Hartlepool Licensees Association Darab Rezai has started the Our Town Needs You petition online and is being backed by several local business bosses.

It calls on Hartlepool Borough Council to create a landmark building on the site that could host national and international events including music concerts, festivals, sport tournaments, exhibitions and more.

Mr Rezai and other businessmen say it is needed to attract people from further afield and boost the economy, especially as the town looks to recover from the impact of Covid.

Hartlepool Borough Council says its own plans for the site are well supported and will aid the development of the National Museum of the Royal Navy which will bring more people to the town.

Mr Rezai said: “For a long time myself and a few of the business people believe the town needs something special to bring people from out of town and encourage people to spend money.

“If we can get an iconic building on Jackson’s Landing which is universal usage it would end up attracting people from all over the North East.”

Hartlepool council’s plans include a multi-million pound attraction including swimming pools, health suite, fitness studios, gym, family play facility, cafe/refreshments area and function rooms, plus space outdoors for events.

Among those supporting Mr Rezai’s petition is Lee Pennick, owner of Seaton’s Trinity Tea Room, who said: “It would attract a lot of people to the marina and other businesses in the town.”

Jake Wiley, of new local food app Hartlepool Eats, said: “The town needs something with the wow factor.”

Harbour View chef Kevin Reid said: “The town needs to have its spirits raised and a boost to the economy will do that.”

Adam Gaines, of Rosies bar, said: “There needs to be something that generates employment and brings people into Hartlepool to spend money.

"At the moment the plans for a leisure attraction don’t really do that. There is already a gym next to the site.”

And Jason Anderson, of Radio Hartlepool, said: “We support any forward-thinking idea for the positive development of Hartlepool.”

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: “Our intention is to use the site to develop a strategic leisure attraction, events space, public realm and on-water sports provision and there has been a significant amount of planning and evidence to demonstrate that this is well supported by residents, our partners and businesses.

“The site will also support further development of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, making the site a huge opportunity for local residents as well as bringing in visitors from across the Tees Valley and further afield.

"This will in turn bring wider economic value to the area’s businesses, which we will be working with as we progress further with the project.”

Mr Rezai is urging people to sign the petition at change.org Our town needs YOU!

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.