Residents have been invited to take part in a consultation on the transformation of a North East town centre that is estimated to create 2,000 jobs.

Hartlepool locals have until September 10 to have their say on a masterplan set to "supercharge" the re-development of the town centre.

The Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation has set out its vision for the town, picturing an "imaginative, Creative & Ambitious... 21st-century maritime town; a thriving place to live, work, explore and invest."

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The Northern Echo: An artist’s impression of how the Hartlepool Development Corporation zone could look.

Locals can now view and comment on the latest "Draft Design Code" that is not only set to create 2,000 jobs but also build 1,300 homes.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has backed the plans for the Hartlepool Development Corporation Zone, stating the town has a unique chance to re-develop its future.

He said: “We’ve got a once-in-a-generation opportunity to supercharge development and bring new jobs and investment to Hartlepool, and this is one of the final pieces of the puzzle to get things moving for local people.

“This document will give us a clear framework to help speed up planning processes while making sure anyone who comes to the Board with a proposition knows exactly what we’re looking for. This will cut down on speculative proposals and free up resource so we can kick-start the change we want to see sooner rather than later.

“We made it clear in the Masterplan that we would continue to engage and communicate openly and transparently with those living in Hartlepool and potential investors – so this is their chance to air their views on this vital document.”

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The Northern Echo: An artist’s impression of how the Hartlepool Development Corporation zone could look.

Cllr Mike Young, HDC Board Member and Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The Masterplan sets out a tremendously exciting and inspiring vision for the further revitalisation of Hartlepool.

“It complements the major regeneration projects already being carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council and its partners – Hartlepool is growing and the Council’s firm mission is to encourage businesses to make their home here, bringing large scale investment and jobs.

“The Design Code will play a vital part in achieving those goals, underpinning as it does the Masterplan and providing clarity to potential investors and developers. I would strongly encourage people to take part in the consultation and have their say in helping to shape this key document which will play an important part in Hartlepool’s future.”