Moves to set up a new Mayoral Development Corporation to drive Hartlepool forward have been unanimously backed by Hartlepool Borough Council.

All Councillors backed the principle of a list of assets transferring into the ownership of the new Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation as well as the constitution of the MDC at a Council meeting on the 23rd February.

Legislation was officially laid before Parliament for Middlesbrough and Hartlepool’s respective Development Corporations earlier this month.

The new zone is designed to transform the town by driving investment and cutting red tape.

Protections to ensure the Council doesn’t lose out financially are also being agreed for the new Corporation – including possible options for the Council to take back assets in future.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was delighted with the result.

Mayor Houchen said: “I’m thrilled our vision for Hartlepool has received such an overwhelming show of support. It’s yet another great day for the town.

“Our new Mayoral Development Corporation will boost our efforts to make Hartlepool a cultural capital in the North. It will help us slash red tape so we can supercharge the redevelopment of the Waterfront, and boost investment.

“It’s been a terrific year for Hartlepool already with £16.5million secured through the Levelling Up Fund to pump money into the Church Street area.

“The cross party backing we’ve received from the Council means we’re one step closer to transforming the town for the better, and this is how politics should be.

“Middlesbrough Council tonight will be faced with the same decision tonight and I hope Councillors there can do the right thing by the people they represent.”

After the meeting, Cllr Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I’m very pleased with the result of the meeting.

“We are really getting moving on a vast range of once-in-a-generation opportunities in our town – and I’m confident the Development Corporation will bring real practical benefits to people and businesses across Hartlepool.

“We’ve listened and we’re ensuring there are safeguards for the Council in its creation. The MDC will have a big focus on town centre regeneration, but it will also reap benefits for the whole borough in bringing good quality jobs and opportunities.”