A LANDMARK building in Hartlepool has reopened after a major refurbishment.

Titan House on York Road, previously known as The Pink Pill for its striking colour, has a fresh new look after being taken over by Housing Hartlepool.

It has renovated the 49 flats as affordable homes and turned the empty row of shops on the ground floor into a one-stop shop for customers of all the partners in the Thirteen Group, including Housing Hartlepool and Tees Valley Housing.

Hartlepool Labour MP Iain Wright, who officially unveiled the new look, said: “Titan House has been given a new lease of life and now provides services to tenants, high quality office space and improved accommodation.

“Housing Hartlepool’s transformation of a neglected building at the heart of our town has boosted the look of our town centre whilst at the same time improved access to services.

“I applaud that commitment and welcome other schemes that encourage an ambition of a brighter and more aspirational future for the town.”

The redesign was led by Dave Butler, who was born and brought up in Hartlepool and now works with Thirteen’s architecture department.

Dave Pickard, group director of operations of Thirteen Group, who still lives in the town, said: “I have known the Pink Pill for many years, so it was a proud day when I got the chance to give the town the building it deserves. I think it improves that corner of Hartlepool town centre, which should help the neighbouring businesses."