Work is under way on a key phase of a multi-million-pound project to help Hartlepool become a major hub for film, television and digital production.

The start of public realm improvements in Scarborough Street is said to mark “a significant milestone” in the transformational £18.5 million Screen Industries Production Village scheme.

The work will see Scarborough Street fully regenerated, “complementing the investment already made by local businesses to enhance and improve their own properties”.

The street will be resurfaced with high-quality granite paving, using the same material palette as the wider Screen Industries Production Village development, “creating a distinctive and cohesive look across the area”.

Left to right, Paul Taylor, Hartlepool Borough Council's head of strategic development and sustainability, Javed Khan, the council's assistant director of inclusive growth, Coun Rob Darby, chair of the council's housing, growth and communities committee and Kieran Bostock, the council's director of neighbourhoods and regulatory services.

placeholder image — Left to right, Paul Taylor, Hartlepool Borough Council's head of strategic development and sustainability, Javed Khan, the council's assistant director of inclusive growth, Coun Rob Darby, chair of the council's housing, growth and communities committee and Kieran Bostock, the council's director of neighbourhoods and regulatory services.

The project will also deliver wider footpaths while alterations to the junction with Exeter Street will make it easier for businesses to host outdoor events through temporary road closures as well as maintaining access for deliveries and business parking.

New heritage-style lighting columns will be installed to enhance the character of the area and improve lighting levels throughout the street.

The works are scheduled for completion before Christmas with resurfacing outside Hartlepool railway station set to follow.

Councillor Rob Darby, chair of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee, said: “This is a huge milestone and a very proud day for Hartlepool.

“The start of work on Scarborough Street is further evidence that the council is once again delivering on its ambitious plans to regenerate our town and create high-quality jobs and opportunities for local people.

“When complete, the improvements to Scarborough Street will create a welcoming and attractive environment that reflects the scale of ambition behind this project while supporting the fantastic businesses already based there.”

Scarborough Street is one of several major elements of the wider Screen Industries Production Village project set to move forward over the coming months.

Restoration work on The Vaults pub is due to begin in January 2027 while early restoration work on the former Shades Hotel, in Church Street, which will serve as the gateway to the development, is scheduled to start in November.

The Screen Industries Production Village, incorporating the existing Northern Studios, which are to be enhanced and expanded, is due to open in January 2028.

Led by the council, the project is delivered in partnership with the Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Screen.