£6.8 Million Pound Funding bid for Towns Heritage Revival revealed, in a regeneration project likely to last four years..

Bold new proposals could see the multi million pound redevelopment of the Museum of Hartlepool, as well as further restoration of Hartlepool's Wingfield Castle.

19th November 2024

Hartlepool Borough Council's reportedly set to unveil ambitious new proposals seeking to restore a neglected historic ship which has suffered decades of underfunding, as well as the possible re-development of the nearby Museum of Hartlepool...

The £6.8 Million Pound "Tides of Change" initiative, aims to redevelop the Museum of Hartlepool and restore the iconic paddle steamer PS Wingfield Castle. The project promises to breathe new life into Hartlepool's maritime history while fostering economic growth, education, and community engagement.

The Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee is next week set to be briefed on the progress on this landmark project. The council report states that aligned with the Council's priorities, "Tides of Change" aims to ensure Hartlepool becomes a town:

• Where residents live healthy, independent, and prosperous lives.

• With resilient communities that offer opportunities for all.

• That thrives with an inclusive and growing economy.

  
  

This project is also said to play a pivotal role in the town's broader £52 million Waterfront Regeneration Programme....

The initiative is said to revolve around two main objectives, one being the redevelopment of the Museum of Hartlepool which will undergo significant transformation, making it a fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility, where visitors can expect new entrances, expanded exhibition spaces, interactive displays, and purpose-built learning areas. In addition to the proposed regeneration of the Museum, pans have also been laid forward for the continued restoration of the PS Wingfield Castle. This historic paddle steamer, once a vibrant passenger ferry, will be brought back to life, according to the report with Restoration plans including, event spaces, and a café, transforming it into a key attraction for locals and tourists.

The urgency of the project stems from what the council claims is the dire condition of the PS Wingfield Castle, which faced has suffered decades of a lack of funding & maintenance & is reportedly "a significant risk of sinking". The deteriorating vessel has reportedly "negatively impacted the perception of Hartlepool’s Waterfront area", highlighting the importance of restoring the historic landmark before it deteriorates any further. .

Additionally, its claimed consultation data reveals a high demand for free, high-quality attractions in Hartlepool, with over 96,000 visitors to the museum reported in 2023/24. The project is said to directly addresses this demand by providing an affordable, accessible cultural hub for residents and tourists alike.

A Bold Move Forward, So long as the money's not wasted, critics claim

The council report outlines the timelines for anticipated completion of all the works to be carried out, by around 2029, with works likely to start around the spring of 2026 subject to the funding being successful, with the potential redevelopment of the Museum of Hartlepool and the nearby PS Wingfield Castle is said to represent "a bold move forward" in the town’s, regeneration, heritage, education, and future prosperity.