Demolition work has commenced at Hartlepool station's disused platform 3, signalling the first phase of its multimillion-pound redevelopment.

Workers from Story Construction are now on site removing the platform using road-rail vehicles which can operate on both tracks and road. The station upgrades, supported by Network Rail, Northern Trains Limited and Hartlepool Borough Council, is set to begin later this summer so the new station is ready for the Tall Ships coming to the town in July 2023.

Demolition is due to be complete on 26 September, when piling will start for the construction of a new platform. As part of the works, the existing platform 2 will also be extended by 20 metres to house the new footbridge and lift for improved access.

The works will help provide more capacity to enable future service for routes including those between London and Sunderland operated by Grand Central. The development will also provide a potential boost to Northern services which connect Hartlepool with Middlesbrough, Newcastle and other major towns on the Durham Coast rail line.

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Mayor Houchen worked closely with Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, to provide £12million in funding for the project – which will also support the ambitions of the Hartlepool Mayoral Development Corporation. The MDC aims to reshape the town to make it a more attractive place to live and visit, support small businesses and deliver a master plan to maximise future funding.

Mayor Houchen said: "Across every corner of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, we’re demolishing to deliver and getting construction underway to improve transport links in our area. With work already underway at Middlesbrough, Darlington and Billingham Stations, it’s now time to kick-off work at Hartlepool Station.

"I'm delighted crews are now on-site for this long-awaited project to boost connectivity for local people and visitors. It's sorely needed as we work to improve Hartlepool town centre through our Mayoral Development Corporation and drive jobs, investment and increased tourism with fantastic events like the Tall Ships in 2023.

"Pre-pandemic, up to 650,000 people were using this station every year and these improvements will make sure this figure can grow as we unlock even more capacity right across our transport network and give local people the services they deserve."