Work Underway After ‘Kebab Grass’ Row at £36m Hartlepool Leisure Site...

‘Kebab Grass’ Chaos: Contractors Rush to Fix Marina Eyesore

Contractors Move In to Repair ‘Kebab Grass’ at £36m Hartlepool Highlight Complex

20th April 2026

Works are now underway to repair the much-mocked “kebab grass” outside Hartlepool’s flagship leisure development, with a Teesside & Durham Post journalist today witnessing activity on site as efforts begin to put right the controversial turfing.

The issue first hit headlines in early April 2026 after newly laid grass outside the £36million Highlight leisure centre at Hartlepool Marina drew widespread ridicule online, with residents comparing its patchy, uneven appearance to “doner kebab meat”.

Now, in a significant development, remedial works have begun.

When visiting the site today, our reporter observed contractors actively working on the affected areas, with sections of the problematic turf being lifted and replaced. The activity suggests that concerns raised by residents – and amplified across social media – are now being acted upon.

The Highlight Leisure Centre on Hartlepool's Marina has already cost £36 Million Pounds and was reported to have gone over its original budget by £4m

The original installation sparked criticism almost immediately, with locals questioning both the quality of the materials used and how the work had been signed off in the first place. The turf’s unusual look and condition led to it becoming a talking point across Hartlepool, overshadowing what's otherwise one of the town’s most high-profile regeneration projects.

Today’s developments indicate an acknowledgement that the finish fell short of expectations.

While it remains unclear exactly what remedial approach is being taken – whether full replacement or partial repair – the presence of workers on the site points to a clear effort to address the issue before the leisure centres official opening date of June approaches.

The Highlight complex itself is a central part of wider regeneration ambition for Hartlepool’s waterfront, designed to attract visitors and boost local economic activity. But the “kebab grass” saga has highlighted ongoing concerns among residents about standards, oversight, and value for money in publicly backed developments.

With works now visibly underway, attention will turn to whether the final result meets the standard originally promised – and whether lessons have been learned...