New Hartlepool Development Corporation Leadership Sets Out Ambitious Vision

The new chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation has set out his vision for the town after taking charge of the regeneration body.

Experienced retail and regeneration expert Mark Robinson has been appointed to lead the Development Corporation into its next phase.

The Hartlepool-born business leader said his priority is ensuring that local people feel the benefits of regeneration projects.

The 54-year-old founded developer-investor Ellandi which revitalised over 50 town‑centre communities across the UK before selling to NewRiver plc in July 2024.

The first public board meeting with Mark as chair was held on Tuesday at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

Mark said his passion for Hartlepool and its people was a key factor in his decision to take up the role.

He said: “Hartlepool is my hometown and somewhere very close to my heart. It is a place with a proud history which has huge potential. We are already seeing great things happening in the town but I want us to go further and faster.

“It was great to hold our first meeting at the Town Hall Theatre and to work with my fellow board members as we look forward to getting on with the job making a real difference for the people of Hartlepool.”

Hartlepool Development Corporation is playing a vital role in the planned improvements to the town’s film and TV production studios, enhancing creative sector opportunities, as well as supporting a £120million waterfront housing scheme which will bring hundreds of new homes to the town.

It has also taken ownership of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, and a masterplan is now being developed for the future redevelopment of the town centre, which will start to have an impact in 2026.

Mark was Chair of the UK’s High Streets Task Force from 2020 until 2024, a government-backed initiative to support local authorities and communities in transforming town and city centres through expert guidance, recovery support, and strategy.

Mark added: “We are now moving on to the delivery of key projects that are bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into Hartlepool.

“But for too long regeneration has been about simply building something new and shiny and not thinking enough about how it benefits local communities.

“I want the Development Corporation to ensure that the benefits these projects are bringing are directly felt by people in Dyke House or Owton Manor.

“That means developing the jobs and skills to make sure our Development Corporation is having a real impact on the ground.”

Mark added that to achieve its objectives, it is essential the Development Corporation works closely with existing organisations also delivering for the town including Hartlepool Borough Council, the Hartlepool Town Deal board and Neighbourhood Plan Board.