PLANS to restore a wartime landmark in Hartlepool and turn it into a tourist attraction may get a £500,000 boost.

An interpretation and development strategy has been developed for the Heugh Gun Battery on the town's Headland.

It will be discussed by members of Hartlepool Borough Council's Regeneration and Economy Portfolio and Town Management Portfolio when it meets on Monday.

The Heugh Battery was established in the 1850s to serve as a coastal gun defence battery. It closed in 1956.

In December 1914, its three guns valiantly returned fire when the Imperial German Navy bombarded Hartlepool.

Although, people in the town have many memories of the battery, it has become subject to vandalism, graffiti and litter over recent years, and it is hoped the strategy will help to put it on the map.

The strategy, devised by PLB Consulting, includes re-surfacing the parade ground, restoring the barrack block and providing toilets.

There are also plans to build a guard hut and shelter and create welcome signs.

The Heugh Gun Battery Trust is also in negotiation with Tynemouth Battery and English Heritage to acquire guns for the site and re-instate some of them in the gun emplacements.

A report to the meeting said: "The proposals will have an impact on the Headland community and also will contribute to the economic and social development of the area.

"It is hoped there will be a budget of around £500,000 to take forward these proposals involving a contribution of Single Regeneration Budget and Heritage and Lottery funding.

"Later developments, identified by PLB, may also include a new build shop, cafe and gallery if the Heugh Battery requires further facilities due to demand as a visitor attraction."

The proposals would complement work, costing £195,000, which has already begun on site to build a boundary wall, railing and gates.

The funding for this project has come from the Northern Rock Foundation and the North Hartlepool Partnership Board.

If the plans for the strategy are approved, detailed designs and costings will be carried out, as well as public consultation.