AMBITIOUS plans for the multi-million pound development of Hartlepool’s Waterfront have received a major boost with the signing of a landmark agreement.

Hartlepool Borough Council and The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that commits them to working in partnership.

The long-term plan for the Waterfront and the surrounding area is to develop a major visitor attraction, hotel and leisure facilities on some five acres of land which incorporates the site of the now demolished Jacksons Landing shopping complex.

The partnership between the Council and the National Museum aims to create a mix of civic, cultural, and leisure attractions to complement existing restaurants, cafes and bars across the wider marina area, securing some £30m of investment.

The MoU was signed by Councillor Shane Moore, the leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, and Professor Dominic Tweddle, Director General of The National Museum of the Royal Navy, on the Captain’s Table aboard the iconic HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in Europe and centrepiece of the museum.

Councillor Moore said: “I am delighted to have signed the MoU which shows just how determined we are to deliver on our ambitious regeneration plans for the town.

“The arrival of The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool in the summer of 2016 was a major coup for the town, and since then an excellent working relationship has developed between the Council and the National Museum.

“The MoU cements that relationship and enables us to forge ahead in a spirit of partnership, knowing that we are all pulling in the same direction to bring about the regeneration of Hartlepool with all the benefits that brings.”

The MoU also commits both parties to work together on the future development of the National Museum.

Professor Tweddle added: “We are hugely excited that our joint plans for the regeneration of the harbour basin are now coming to life. There are four to five years of challenging work ahead, but we are committed to working closely with the Council to bring the plans to fruition.”