Town development body appoints new chair

Hartlepool Development Corporation has appointed a new chair to lead the next phase of regeneration across key sites in the town.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and a board member of the Development Corporation, has been selected as chair by Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen.

She succeeds Mark Robinson, who steps down following a period of significant progress for the corporation.

Since its creation, Hartlepool Development Corporation has played a central role in driving regeneration across the town. 

This includes supporting the expansion of Hartlepool’s growing film and TV sector through the Northern Studios and the development of a new TV and film production village.

The corporation has also backed town centre regeneration projects, including improvements at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, and work is now underway on a £120 million waterfront housing development across multiple brownfield sites, alongside plans for new retail, leisure and medical facilities.

Councillor Hargreaves said: “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.”

Mayor Houchen added: “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. 

“As leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and also a local business owner, she brings a deep understanding of the town, its communities and its ambitions.

“Her passion and experience, combined with her knowledge of the major projects being developed across Hartlepool will be essential in helping us deliver real change for local people in the next phase of the Development Corporation.”

“I look forward to working closely with her to keep driving regeneration forward and delivering real change for local people.”

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