A MULTI-MILLION pound redevelopment has been unveiled for a North-East town.

Tees Valley Regeneration and PD Ports, Logistics and Shipping have submitted plans to Hartlepool Borough Council for a £500m transformation of the town's Victoria Harbour.

If approved, about 200 acres of waterfront north of the Marina will be developed into thousands of houses, a school, leisure facilities, business units and shops.

Landscaped open space, a coastal walkway and a pedestrian and cycle bridge are all planned for the site, owned by PD Ports, Logistics and Shipping.

Joe Docherty, the chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: "This is a stunning masterplan and one which will embrace the whole of Hartlepool.

"Eventually, Victoria Harbour will become a showpiece project for the Tees Valley and the North-East.

"We have already undertaken extensive consultation with the community and have received very positive and constructive feedback."

Redevelopment will be phased over 20 years and will include up to 3,500 houses. Work is expected to start next year on the first phase, in which more than 750 houses will be built over five years.

Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson said: "This development is a major opportunity for Hartlepool, and especially for the Headland. Naturally it will come in stages and will make a huge contribution to Hartlepool's regeneration."

Margaret Fay, the chairwoman of development agency One NorthEast, said: "This submission moves us a step closer to realising our vision for Hartlepool.