A TEAM of architects has been appointed to try and come up with ideas about what to do with a derelict former shopping centre controversially bought by a council.

Hartlepool Borough Council has appointed Newcastle based GT3 Architects to lead the project designed to create a mixed use development on the waterfront site.

The authority bought the building in 2013 for £1.5m by taking advantage of an interest free loan.

Last month councillors agreed to demolish the 1994 shopping mall which has been empty since 2004. GT3 has been tasked with identifying areas of the site for key buildings, environment design and pedestrian connections to adjacent sites. The site is regarded by the council as a strategically important to the redevelopment of Hartlepool’s Waterfront as a visitor destination and to the town’s future economic growth.

Simon Dunstan, director of GT3 Architects, said the firm was “delighted.” He said: “This project boasts a superb waterfront site. We look forward to creating a commercially deliverable scheme that people can be proud of.”