ONE of the biggest transport projects to take place in Hartlepool has taken a big step forward.

A formal application for planning permission for a £2.2m transport interchange in Church Square has been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council and, should permission be granted, the work is scheduled to begin in January.

The 15,233sq metre development will serve out-of-town coach services and some local bus services.

Located next to the town's railway station, the interchange will result in a more co-ordinated public transport system for the town by bringing coaches, buses, trains and taxis closer together.

If planning permission is granted, and everything else goes to plan, the development should be operational by summer next year.

Ian Jopling, the council's transportation team leader, said: "The land has been bought and the money needed to complete the scheme is in place after the Government approved the last £955,000 instalment last December.

"We are working closely with consulting engineers Ove Arup, who are drawing up a detailed design for the scheme, and we will be looking to award the construction contract later this year, subject to us receiving final approvals from Network Rail and planning permission being granted."