A PROJECT to restore a North-East landmark and develop it as a visitor attraction has taken another step forward.

Leading design company Past Forward has been appointed to draw up designs for the second phase of the restoration of the Heugh Gun Battery on the Headland at Hartlepool.

The battery is most famous for returning fire when the Imperial German Navy bombarded Hartlepool in December 1914.

Past Forward has been asked to draw up plans for:

* Restoring the barrack block to its original appearance, with the addition of information panels.

* Developing the battery's ammunition room as an area for displays on the battery's history.

* Restoring the lookout tower.

* Creating welcome signs and a temporary ticket office at the battery entrance.

* Resurfacing the old parade ground to make it suitable for re-enactments and other events.

* Providing water, gas and electricity to the site, and the creation of toilet facilities.

The battery restoration project is being spearheaded by the Heugh Gun Battery Trust. The project, expected to cost about £500,000, is supported by the North Hartlepool Partnership and Hartlepool Council.

Applications for funding will be made to groups including the North Hartlepool Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Phase one of the Gun Battery restoration was completed last year. It included replacing the battery's perimeter wall with metal fencing and a brick wall.