The new chair of a Hartlepool regeneration body has set out his vision for the town which includes delivering key projects and making life better for residents.

Retail and regeneration expert Mark Robinson has been appointed to lead Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) into its next phase.

The body, first established in 2023, aims to transform the town centre and borough business parks to complement existing activity taking place and make the area “an even better place to live and do business.”

Mr Robinson, 54, founded developer-investor Ellandi which revitalised over 50 town‑centre communities across the UK.

Mark Robinson, new chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation. Photo credit LDRS.

placeholder image — Mark Robinson, new chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation. Photo credit LDRS.

He was also previously chair of the UK’s High Streets Task Force from 2020 until 2024.

The Hartlepool-born business leader said his priority is ensuring local people feel the benefits of regeneration projects, adding his passion for the town and its people was a key factor in taking the role.

Speaking ahead of his first public board meeting as chair, Mr Robinson said he was “incredibly grateful for the opportunity” to use his “lifetime of skills” to “build on what’s already happening in Hartlepool.”

He added: “I think there is such a strong story to tell about Hartlepool. That needs to be told on a regional and national stage to start really celebrating what it’s great at, and part of that is the people.

Mark Robinson chair of the Hartlepool Development Corporation, at this first meeting of the body. Photo via Tees Valley Combined Authority.

“The development corporation has some unique powers, ownerships and potential sources of funding which means it can put rocket boosters on what would have happened otherwise.

“If we get it right, Hartlepool could change dramatically for the next 10 years and that’s super exciting, but we’ve got to do it in a way that is for the community. They’ve got to know because of this, my life is better.”

He added since the development corporation came into force in 2023 “it has achieved a lot” but he thinks it can “do an awful lot more.”

The HDC is playing a key role in the planned improvements to the town’s film and TV production studios, enhancing creative sector opportunities, as well as supporting a £120million waterfront housing scheme.

It has also taken ownership of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, and a masterplan is now being developed for the future redevelopment of the town centre, which will start to have an impact in 2026.

Mr Robinson highlighted improvements to the former Binns and Wilkinson building, which forms part of Middleton Grange, as a key project for the future, adding they are looking to use previously secured Government funding to deliver “fantastic” public realm and community uses.

He added: “I don’t think the people of Hartlepool have seen enough of the change happening under the surface yet, and I think 2026 is going to be all about delivering.”

The new chair highlighted that one of the challenges the area faces is with anti-social behaviour, and they will be collaborating with partners, including in the retail sector, to take action.

Elsewhere he noted the HDC is in talks with Hartlepool Borough Council to ensure they have “as much control as possible” over houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Mr Robinson stressed it is essential the HDC works closely with existing organisations in the town including the council.

The HDC was previously chaired by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen who no longer sits on the HDC board.