THE first stage of developing a multi-million pound plan to regenerate Hartlepool waterfront and create up to 2,000 jobs has begun.

Hartlepool Borough Council is behind the Hartlepool Vision scheme and has appointed GVA, the UK’s largest independent property firm, to develop a detailed plan.

The company began a two-week consultation exercise at the weekend which aims to get feedback from members of the public about how they want their town to develop over the next 20 years.

The council has already purchased Jacksons Landing, a former shopping outlet, at Hartlepool Marina, for £1.5 million and it is hoped flats could be built on the site as part of the scheme.

Last December an outline grand vision for the town, which could cost between £10 million and £20 million was agreed by the council.

Sites around the marina but also Trincomalee Wharf and Church Street would also be improved with the aim of attracting visitors to the town.

The council has identified the problem of many high earners in the borough leaving the area to shop and enjoy leisure activities and the hope is they will in future be persuaded to stay in the town. The authority also hopes to facilitate more advanced manufacturing in the town to create employment,

No details about potential council or private financial investment have yet been issued, although the council stipulated that the developer must look at an entire vision for the town, not just select areas.

Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Council, said: “The telephone survey marks the start of what will be a comprehensive consultation exercise and there will be lots of other opportunities for residents, businesses and other interested parties to get involved over the coming months and help shape the masterplan.

“We know that Hartlepool has lots of assets but there is also so much more potential to make the town a better place to live, work and visit. Hartlepool Council has very bold and ambitious plans to regenerate key areas of the town and GVA fully understand what we are aiming to achieve.

“Our aim is to create major new retail and leisure facilities, increase the town’s profile as a visitor destination, make Hartlepool a centre for advanced manufacturing and produce much-needed job opportunities for the town.

“It’s about promoting Hartlepool as a quality, thriving destination and together with GVA, residents, the business community and others I’m confident we can achieve this.”

Consultation will continue over the summer months and the first draft of the masterplan is expected to be completed towards the end of 2014.