Historic England has awarded £909,500 to restore two vacant buildings on Church Street in Hartlepool town centre. The funding will enable significant structural repairs to secure the future of the properties at 8 and 9 Church Street and support their return to active use.
The money comes from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, which supports the protection and restoration of nationally important historic buildings. Hartlepool is one of only two locations in the North East to secure funding through the latest round of the programme.
What the restoration will include
The buildings, which have stood vacant for a number of years, will undergo urgent structural works including replacement of the gable wall, installation of support piles and ground beams, and roof replacement works to prevent further deterioration.
Both properties form part of the Church Street Conservation Area, one of the town's most historically significant locations.
Connection to Screen Industries Production Village
Once restored, the buildings will play an important role in the wider expansion of the Northern Film Studios and Production Village project, helping to bring vacant buildings back into use while preserving Hartlepool's heritage.
The funding award follows significant investment already being made in the area through the development of the Screen Industries Production Village.
Council response
Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of the Council's Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: "This is fantastic news for Hartlepool and a significant vote of confidence in our vision for Church Street and the wider town centre."
He added: "Securing £909,500 from Historic England will enable us to carry out essential repairs to safeguard two important heritage buildings, bringing them a step closer to being brought back into use and securing their future for generations to come."
Further details on the programme of works and timescales for delivery will be announced in due course.