Hartlepool historic structures and leisure routes set for improvements as part of £5million Seascape bid

The project, called Seascapes, aims to better protect and celebrate the heritage of the coastline from south of the River Tyne to the River Tees, with several schemes planned for Hartlepool.

It comes after Durham Heritage Coast formed a partnership in 2017 consisting of a group of local, regional and national partners to submit a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid for the plans.

In November 2017 the Lottery awarded a first round pass and £200,000 to develop the final submission which was made in November 2019.

If successful in the final submission process the project would hope to secure £5million to better protect coastlines and deliver over twenty interconnected projects across a four year programme up to 2024.

A report going to the Hartlepool Borough Council Neighbourhood Services Committee from Tony Hanson, the assistant director environment and neighbourhood services, states the scheme covers four themes and would benefit Hartlepool in several ways.

The project would repair and restore the High Light located on the Waterfront and the Beacon Tower on North Pier, both Grade II-listed sites.

The project also plans to explore the story behind the history of sites, which will potentially include looking at the medieval salt mounds and protected wreck in Seaton Carew and the site of the former listening post in Clavering.

An interpretation of geological sites through a range of media and engagement with schools is also proposed, with one of the sites set to be the Headland.

The programme also includes improving a number of routes to the beach from the England Coast Path, and in Hartlepool this would include improved linkages and signage around the Heugh Battery.

The bid also includes plans for a circular cycle route connecting the coastal communities to the coast at the Headland.

Plans also feature a coast to Clavering circular walk, providing a new guided pathway linking Clavering, Hart and Marine Point to the coast.

The project will also include programmes to empower people to take action to keep beaches and waters as clean as possible, and encourage people to celebrate their heritage.

A council report from Mr Hanson states the scheme would provide a boost to Hartlepool.

He said: “The Seascapes Partnership is seeking to secure £5million of funding to enable this area’s distinctive combination of natural, industrial and cultural heritage to be conserved, enhanced and celebrated.

“This proposes a number of schemes and projects that will benefit our coast and community.”

The second round funding for the project is not secured and the scheme will be submitted to the lottery as part of a competitive grant process, however council chiefs say the feedback to date has been positive.