Hartlepool Borough Council and Pools to share town vision

Hartlepool United chairman Gary Coxall, of JPNG, and council leader Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which gives a commitment from both organisations to work together for the betterment of the town.

In 2014, the council launched the Hartlepool Vision which mapped out how the authority aimed to breathe new life into eight key areas of the town, creating prosperity and jobs for the future.

One of these sites is the Hartlepool Regeneration Masterplan area which covers the marina and waterfront, the town centre, Church Street and the Mill House site, which incorporates Victoria Park – home of Hartlepool United.

A recent report on the Masterplan shows it has the potential to result in over £100million of construction spend, 1,210 construction jobs, up to 700 additional new jobs, whilst attracting £150million of investment.

Coun Akers-Belcher said: “Ever since JPNG expressed an interest in taking over the running of Hartlepool United Football Club, the council has forged an excellent working relationship with them.

“The council has set out its vision of how it aims to improve the town in the months and years to come and it’s really positive that the football club shares this vision and wants to work with the council to help achieve it.”

Mr Coxall said: “We are committed to the regeneration not just of Hartlepool United but of the town as a whole and we look forward to working closely with the council on upcoming projects.

“We are working very hard to get things right on the pitch, but as we have emphasised previously we are very ambitious about developments off the pitch and this can only help to build a solid foundation for the future.”