New boss for Hartlepool Development Corporation
The Tees Valley Mayor has appointed cllr Pamela Hargreaves, leader of Hartlepool, as the chair of the development arm of the council with immediate effect.
She replaces Mark Robinson, whose term as chair has been formally concluded.
Hartlepool Development Corporation is one of several Mayoral Development Corporations in the Tees Valley region, all established to focus on regeneration and investment.
Mayor Ben Houchen has sole responsibility for appointing and concluding the appointments of chairs and board members of Mayoral Development Corporations within the Combined Authority area.
Paying tribute to the outgoing chair, the Mayor thanked Mark Robinson for his contribution to setting the direction of the corporation and supporting the development and delivery of regeneration priorities in Hartlepool.
However, he said the organisation is now entering a different stage, with major schemes coming forward that require a stronger local presence and a sharper focus on day-to-day delivery.
The move reflects the growing importance of having a chair who is based in Hartlepool, able to provide close oversight of forthcoming regeneration projects, work at pace with partners, and help steer the corporation through its current financial challenges alongside Hartlepool Borough Council.
Cllr Hargreaves’ appointment is intended to strengthen that local leadership as HDC shifts from planning to implementation of its strategic priorities.
She will now oversee the £160m budget for regeneration projects in the town, which will include the £12bn investment into advanced nuclear energy at the former Hartlepool power station, and the doubling in size of its film and TV studio.
Previously, cllr Hargreaves co-founded the North East Foundation for Women in Enterprise, Stockton Businesswomen’s Network, and Women What Do.
During her time as at Hartlepool Council, she has held positions such as chair of the regeneration and planning scrutiny forum.
