£4million funding plan for Hartlepool Western Growth Corridor approved

Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet has approved the funding to bring forward the construction of the Hartlepool Western Growth Corridor for the town, expected to cost a total of £18million.

The project consists of the development of a by-pass for the village of Elwick and an overbridge at the current Elwick North junction to the A19.

It will also assist in the building of around 1,500 new homes to the west of Hartlepool, as set out in the town’s Local Plan.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher, Hartlepool Borough Council leader, said the £4,172,500 funding was a great boost for the area.

The Combined Authority committee member said: “One of the reasons this is so important is that Hartlepool has just got its local plan, which will secure the future for the area for the next 15 years.

“The Western Growth Corridor will accelerate this growth in Hartlepool over the next few years.

“It will also ensure the A19 will become safer, there will not be as much traffic at its junctions.

“From an economic point of view, it will be huge for enabling housing growth in the area.

“Currently there are two entrances and exits to the A19, and this introduction of a third will allow for the growth of infrastructure in the area.”

The scheme will also relieve pressure on existing access points to allow them to support economic growth elsewhere, such as the Port and three Enterprise Zones.

Hartlepool Council is funding £9.655 million of the investment through borrowing.

At the meeting it was also confirmed the Combined Authority would work with Hartlepool Council to submit an application to Homes England for HIF for the remaining funding for the project.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This funding shows we are fully committed to this new road, which will unlock new, good-quality, affordable homes and vitally, make getting around safer, quicker and easier for years to come.

“There’s huge change happening in Hartlepool, and it shows the importance the town plays for the Tees Valley.

“It’s about increasing connectivity to Hartlepool and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

“The new bypass for Elwick is just another example of how we’re delivering for the people of Hartlepool.”

Tees Valley Combined Authority has also recently invested in Hartlepool  with £4million for CCAD’s new campus and £5million to revamp Church Street.

Nic Marko , Local Democracy Reporting Service