£1m funding boost to ‘transform and refurbish’ derelict buildings will help Church Street transformation

Hartlepool was selected in 2019 as one of the 101 beneficiaries of the £3.6billion Towns Fund, giving areas the opportunity to work with partners and the community to identify priorities for investment and economic growth.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in June this year some of the funding would be made available now as part of recovery efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Funding proposals were submitted in August and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed Hartlepool is one of seven North East towns to receive up to £1million in funding.

The Hartlepool project, which has been allocated the maximum £1million, will look at refurbishing derelict properties and repurposing disused buildings for local businesses and to boost the appearance of the town centre.

Council chiefs in Hartlepool have praised the funding boost, stating it will benefit the Church Street area in particular.

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesperson said: “We welcome this funding which is a big boost for the on-going regeneration of the Church Street area of the town.

“More detailed proposals for how the money will be spent are currently being drawn up and these will be publicised in due course.”

The funding was identified ‘to support projects that will make a difference to areas immediately’ with towns receiving between £500,000 and £1 million.

Mr Jenrick said: “This Government is levelling up across the North East and getting vital projects off the ground which make a real difference to our local communities and help our towns thrive.

“We are investing £6 million in the North East, including £1 million to transform and refurbish derelict buildings in Hartlepool – creating new space for local businesses to grow and improving the appearance of the town centre for the community.”

Earlier this year councillors highlighted the importance of tackling issues such as empty buildings and ‘unlocking Hartlepool’s potential’ as part of potential future plans to develop the town.

This came as the finance and policy committee discussed the development of a Town Deal for Hartlepool, which could see the area benefit from up to £25millon Government investment as part of the Towns Fund scheme, dependent on the business case put forward.

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