Work continues on the ambitious regeneration programmes in Seaton Carew and Church Street areas.
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The initiative to transform the Church Street area into a hub for creative industries has seen significant progress being made with the former Post Office building in Whitby Street. This is being converted into a £3m business centre called The BIS (Business Innovation & Skills) and will provide incubation facilities in the creative industries sector and specialist support. The BIS will enable the town to retain the wealth of talent amongst graduates of Cleveland College of Art & Design.
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The £3million centre is due to open its doors next summer and will be run by Hartlepool Borough Council with support from Cleveland College of Art & Design. The conversion is being funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority.
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A further £3.4million is being spent on Church Street itself and Church Square with the focus on enhancing existing architecture and creating a more open and pedestrian-friendly area.
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Church Square is being given a major facelift and will be pedestrianised and a large oval event spaced encircled by trees and raised seating will be created in front of Hartlepool Art Gallery.
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Seaton Carew will see a new outdoor leisure park featuring a children’s water play area, play equipment, picnic tables and beach huts.
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A new four metre high glass and steel sculpture by Hartlepool artist Stuart Langley called ‘Waves’, reflecting the town’s maritime and industrial heritage will also be installed.
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You can find further details of plans and progress here.
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