Jomast and Persimmon lined up for Hartlepool project

Work will progress on a £120m housing and commercial waterfront development, after Hartlepool Development Corporation backed outline plans.

The proposals include a mixed 650-home development alongside additional retail, leisure and medical facilities across several key brownfield sites.

HDC is working with landowner and property developer Jomast on the scheme, with homebuilder Persimmon lined up for housing delivery.

The partners said that the waterfront development will provide a mix of family, young professional, retirement, and affordable housing, both for rent and sale at attractive, sustainable locations near the town centre while also delivering public space improvements and improved connectivity with the town’s railway station.

Proposed locations for the multi-site development include land off Maritime Avenue near Hartlepool railway station, and land off Slake Terrace, at Hartlepool Marina.

The plans will complement Hartlepool Council’s regeneration efforts at Hartlepool waterfront which include the under-construction £34.5m Highlight leisure centre, expansion of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, refurbishment of the Museum of Hartlepool and the restoration of the Wingfield Castle.

Further works are planned to improve the connectivity between the Waterfront, town centre and Seaton Carew.

Hartlepool Development Corporation board members have agreed to a recommendation to endorse an outline proposal to continue detailed work with the landowner.

Work on the development is expected to begin later this year with construction of the first new homes commencing in early 2025.

The proposals also set out an ambition to develop leisure facilities such as cafés, bars, restaurants, and retail properties.

The development will be located across two designated Development Corporation focus areas of ‘Urban Village’ and ‘Town to the Sea’.

Jomast is also owner of Hartlepool’s Wesley Chapel, where it is working closely with Hartlepool Council to redevelop the grade two-listed building.

The company also provided essential support in the redevelopment of Hartlepool station as landowner of neighbouring sites.

Stuart Monk, Jomast managing director, said: “We are delighted that the Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Mayoral Development Board have backed our ambitious plans for the transformation of Hartlepool Marina.

“Our development will deliver over 650 homes for people from all walks of life; bring new facilities to the area; create a new entrance to the rail station with improved pedestrian access to the marina and; generate employment opportunities and additional income for Hartlepool Council.

“It builds upon our existing commitment to Hartlepool, which includes regenerating the former Wesley Chapel, and we expect to start building the first new homes later this year.”

Richard Holland, land and planning director for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said “We are delighted to be working alongside Jomast, Hartlepool Development Corporation and Hartlepool Borough Council to realise the development potential of this brownfield regeneration scheme.

“The site offers excellent opportunities to offer modern, attractive family dwellings in the centre of Hartlepool. The site will create a unique urban living setting with fantastic connections to existing services as well as the views over the sea and marina.”