Hartlepool firm wins council contract to restore Headland amphitheatre

The Headland amphitheatre, known locally as The Bandstand, is to be given a new lease of life to be able to once again hold outdoor events and welcome hundreds of spectators.

After a tender process, Hartlepool Borough Council has appointed Seymour Civil Engineering as the project’s principal contractor.

Work is due to start in April and is expected to be finished by the autumn.

Council Leader Councillor Shane Moore said: “I’m delighted that we are now in a position to proceed.

"It is also great news that we have a local company of the calibre of Seymour Civil Engineering leading the project to bring this important landmark back to life.”

The amphitheatre is on the promenade next to the Heugh Battery Museum. Photographs dating back to the early 1900s indicate it was used for a range of public events, community celebrations and entertainment.

It had terraced seating built in to the retaining wall, a Victorian bandstand and a café.

A part of the restoration, a new retaining wall will be built to the rear of the site and the existing stepped seats are to be replaced.

A feature paved area is also to be installed to create an events space. The site will also feature areas of soft landscaping.

Once complete, the amphitheatre will accommodate around 500 spectators.

Seymour Civil Engineering has previously worked on other council-led regeneration projects including the restoration of Church Street and Church Square and the first phase of The Waterfront site redevelopment.

Managing director Adam Harker said they were delighted to undertake such a prestigious project that will provide pleasure and enjoyment to people.

“Having previously undertaken a number of successful schemes, we are delighted to not only play a part in restoring such a historic landmark within the town but to be able to bring forward our local knowledge and expertise as well as provide wider benefits to the town,” he said.

"Being a Hartlepool-based contractor, we are well positioned to provide a locally-based team, boosting employment opportunities for local people.”

Work on the scheme was postponed for six months last year to protect seabirds which feed nearby.

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