Project on history of Hartlepool's' Church Street completed after delay due to Covid

The Historic Mapping Project involved public workshops researching old maps and buildings in the area before working with an illustrator to draw new maps highlighting today’s landmarks, public spaces, meeting places and buildings of interest.

Although the project began in 2019, it was subsequently delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the public, youth groups and pupils from Ward Jackson Primary School took part in the workshops.

Now two banners featuring the new maps together with an information panel have been mounted outside the Northern School of Art in Church Square.

Their unveiling also coincided with the launch of a new Church Street Memories window installation at Number 9 Church Street.

It features memory postcards relating to the Church Street area submitted by members of the public.

Emma Ackroyd, townscape and heritage project officer at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that these two projects have come to fruition and I would to thank everyone who got involved and made them such a success.

“The banners at the Northern School of Art and the window installation are real talking points, and provide an interesting insight into the history of the Church Street area.”

The Historic Mapping Project and the Church Street Memories window installation are both part of the council’s Church Street Revival Project.

It aims to improve the quality of buildings in the Church Street Conservation Area and raise awareness of the area’s rich heritage, with financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Several projects are underway thanks to National Lottery grant funding as part of the Townscape Heritage Scheme.

They include providing street artwork, walking tours, and hosting events to celebrate the area’s heritage.

Sarah Scarr, the council’s heritage and countryside manager, told the regeneration services committee in February it had ambitions to hold a street food event, similar to the Orange Pip Market held in Middlesbrough.

It is hoped to add more postcards to the window display and people are being asked to email their memories and photos of Church Street to [email protected]

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