The leader of Hartlepool Borough Council has taken on an additional role to help steer town regeneration.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves will chair Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) as it oversees a number of multi-million pound projects in the town.

A former HDC board member, Cllr Hargreaves has been selected to lead the organisation and replaces retail and regeneration expert Mark Robinson, who held the role since last September.

Cllr Hargreaves said she was proud to take on the role at a crucial time for Hartlepool.

Pamela Hargreaves has been named as the new chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation.

placeholder image — Pamela Hargreaves has been named as the new chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation.

She added: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation.

“Everyone knows Hartlepool is a fantastic place with huge potential and the development corporation is a key vehicle for unlocking that.

“This includes continuing to grow our film and TV sector, revitalising the town centre or bringing forward high-quality new homes and I’m excited to get started and to work to deliver visible and lasting benefits for Hartlepool residents.

“My role over the coming years will be to bring every organisation, business, community group and resident in Hartlepool along with us on this incredible journey we are on and to deliver maximum benefit for the borough.”

The HDC is responsible for deciding developments and leading regeneration projects at Oakesway Business Park, Queens Meadow Business Park, and on retail and leisure land, including Mill House Leisure Centre and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

So far it has helped support the expansion of Hartlepool’s film and TV industry with partners on the expansion of the Northern Studios and the development of a new TV and film production village.

Work is also underway on a major £120 million housing development alongside retail, leisure and medical facilities off Mainsforth Terrace.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said Cllr Hargreaves’ passion, experience and knowledge of the Hartlepool’s regeneration projects will be “essential” in helping to deliver real change in the next phase of the Development Corporation.

He said: “We have now reached a key phase in our aim to deliver major improvements to Hartlepool town centre and beyond and I’d like to thank Mark for his leadership.

“Thanks to his work, we’ve seen real momentum build and I’m delighted to welcome Pamela as the new chair.”