February might be the shortest month, but it has been another successful one, with a number of key projects hitting milestones.
In a huge move to reinvigorate Hartlepool’s centre, the Council has unanimously backed my plans for its Development Corporation. This will help us turbocharge the town, maximising the potential of its maritime past, manufacturing present and creative future. Now we can go further, faster in capitalising on our assets and talent, driving the jobs of tomorrow today.
A key part of this is the redevelopment of Hartlepool station, the region’s third biggest. This month we saw the lift shafts installed as part of its overhaul to bring a second platform back into use. Over in Middlesbrough, we also had the great news that steel from British Steel will be used as part of that station’s revamp and its fabrication will take place at the town’s CB Construction (Cleveland)
We’ve also had our first look at Circular Fuels’ £150million low carbon waste to renewable gas facility, as plans have been submitted for its creation at Teesworks. More support has also been unlocked for innovate local businesses to support our net zero ambitions in the second round of Innovate UK’s Launchpad funding.
Finally, figures have also revealed the true success of our airport last summer – with passenger numbers at their highest for more than a decade. These were up more than 200% on the previous year, showing how our plan to turn the airport around is working.
