Jacksons Landing initial design plans ready by November, officials predict

That’s the prediction from Hartlepool Borough Council bosses who are confident of coming forward soon with proposals on how the site can be transformed.

The authority has appointed Newcastle based GT3 Architects to lead an exercise to create a mixed-use development on the prime waterfront site which it bought in 2013.

GT3 has been tasked with identifying areas of the site for key buildings, environment design and pedestrian connections to adjacent sites, including the newly launched National Museum of the Royal Navy (Hartlepool).

The council took the decision to purchase the site – which had been vacant since 2004 – via an interest free loan.

It is seen by the council as strategically important to the redevelopment of Hartlepool’s Waterfront as a visitor destination and to the town’s future economic growth.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher, the leader of the council, said: “Jacksons Landing officers a great opportunity for creating a vibrant, leisure-led destination hub for Hartlepool. It is essential that we get the design quality and mix of uses on this key site right.

“I am confident that the exercise we are now undertaking will enable us to assess how we can do this in the best way, reviewing the options before firming up final plans.”

It is expected that initial design proposals for the site could be ready as early as November.

At that point, council chiefs will consult with the local community.

Simon Dunstan, Director of GT3 Architects who have worked on a range of recent projects in the Tees Valley, including the Redcar Leisure and Civic Quarter, said “We are delighted to have been selected by the Council to work

on this project which boasts a superb waterfront site, and we look forward to creating a commercially deliverable scheme that local people can be proud of.”

The news comes just days after a Hartlepool councillor started a petition to try to block the demolition of former factory outlet Jacksons Landing.

Almost 350 people supported the online campaign within 24 hours of being started by independent councillor Paul Thompson.

It calls for Hartlepool Borough Council, which bought the site for £1.5 million in 2013 not to rush into its demolition at a cost of £40,000.