THE search has started to appoint a company to help deliver a radical blueprint for the redevelopment of a key part of Hartlepool.

The borough council is seeking to work with an organisation that has significant regeneration experience to help deliver an ambitious scheme covering the town’s Marina and waterfront.

Council leader Christopher Akers-Belcher said: “Hartlepool already has lots to offer but we must build on the previous successes with a bold new and achievable plan for regenerating the wider area, especially unused sites such as Jacksons Landing and the Trincomalee Wharf.

“The master planning of the waterfront and surrounding area will articulate in more detail how much of our collective ambition can be delivered but also show where and how this can be achieved.”

The council recently purchased the former Jacksons Landing site which lies at the heart of the marina and is one of several areas earmarked to be revitalised.

Sandy Anderson, the chairman of the local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “The Hartlepool Vision is entirely consistent with the strategy for the Tees Valley. It will certainly contribute to our longer term ambitions for future. I wish Hartlepool the very best in delivering this strategy because I think it is fantastic.”

An appointment is expected in April, which will be followed by significant consultation before the completion of the scheme by January 2015.