A TOWN centre area identified as key for the regeneration of Hartlepool is to receive a £1.2m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Hartlepool Borough Council applied for the money which will be used to conserve and rejuvenate historic buildings within Church Street, improve the local environment and create new community projects.

Described as “a huge boost” by councillors, it follows hard on the heels of the successful £5.5m Local Growth Fund allocation from the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership announced last year.

The Church Street area is one of eight locations identified by the council in its Hartlepool Vision to spark regeneration, create jobs and ensure the town's future prosperity.

Known as the Church Street Innovation & Skills Quarter, new developments are already under way which include a new £11m state-of-the-art Cleveland College of Art and Design.

The £1.2m HLF money will be used to help bring empty buildings back into use, improve the appearance of existing buildings, and enhance the street with new surfaces and street furniture.

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, vice-chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “The £1.2m Heritage Lottery Fund grant represents a huge boost to our exciting plans to enhance the heritage of Church Street to create jobs and improve the local environment.

“Together with the £5.5m Local Growth Fund grant, the funding will help enormously to turn our exciting vision into reality and transform a key part of our town for businesses, residents and visitors.”

“Preserving and enhancing heritage is important for the future of the town and this is an opportunity to work with communities, businesses and visitors to improve this significant Conservation Area.”

Councillor Jim Ainslie, who represents the area, said: “This is an area which is steeped in history and with some fantastic buildings which we must preserve for future generations."

Heritage Lottery Fund Chair, Sir Peter Luff, said:“Historic town centres are the beating heart of communities, so where they fall into disrepair, the community pays a heavy price. Research shows that this can be changed and that even small changes - improving shop fronts or restoring architectural features - can make a real difference.

“That's what the Townscape Heritage scheme does so successfully, providing a boost for local economies, with vital employment and training opportunities, start-up spaces for small businesses and enhanced public places for residents and visitors."

The Council has already consulted the Church Street community on its plans and further consultation is planned in the weeks and months ahead.