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Transformation of Hartlepool waterfront attractions takes major step forward
The ongoing regeneration of the Hartlepool waterfront has taken another important step forward.
Hartlepool Borough Council has been awarded £631,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to take into the development phase its Tides of Change project to transform the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.
It’s anticipated that this funding will support the further development of plans to turn the two attractions into an exciting destination for visitors and local residents alike, telling the story of Hartlepool in a fresh, engaging way, accessible to everyone.
Subject to further funding, the transformation itself will include increased and upgraded exhibition spaces, new entrances and better access, interactive features, new community and learning spaces and the restoration and reopening of the Wingfield Castle.
The redeveloped visitor offer will complement that of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the wider waterfront regeneration, where construction work on the new Highlight active wellbeing hub is forging ahead.
The Tides of Change development phase will deliver a range of activities, pilot projects and consultation events to encourage the widest possible community involvement in shaping the direction of the project and ensuring it’s relevant to people’s needs.
Some of the pilot projects will include maritime skills giving volunteers hands-on involvement and training in preserving Hartlepool’s heritage, walking tours exploring the local coastal ecology, a folklore music event and learning opportunities for schoolchildren.
Subject to funding, the aim is for the transformation of both attractions to be completed by 2029.
The Council appointed award-winning architects LDN Architects to reimagine and redevelop the visitor experience and artist’s impressions of how the completed project might look have added to the growing excitement.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Councillor Gary Allen and Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash celebrate the grant award in front of the Museum of Hartlepool
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We are delighted to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to transform the Museum of Hartlepool and the Wingfield Castle into a truly amazing visitor experience.
“Both these landmarks are integral to the wider £52m waterfront regeneration and Tides of Change will really put them on the map, enable us to put more of Hartlepool’s treasures on display and take people of all ages on a fascinating journey through Hartlepool’s remarkable history.”
An artist’s impression of how the Museum of Hartlepool might look
Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “The history and heritage of Hartlepool is really important to its residents and that’s why the redevelopment of the Museum of Hartlepool and restoration of the Wingfield Castle is a major step in the presentation of that history.
“A big ‘thank you’ to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
An artist’s impression of how the Museum of Hartlepool might look
Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North, at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support Hartlepool Borough Council with the initial phase of this project to connect people with their maritime heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery players this grant will work towards providing an enthralling visitor experience for our unique attractions, including the much-loved historic vessel the Wingfield Castle.
“At the Heritage Fund, we want to ensure heritage is cared for and valued now and for the future, and this work will do just that.”
An artist’s impression of how the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle could look following the transformation
To find out the latest news about the projects visit yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/waterfront-programme.