Town's clock tower could reopen after seven years

A clock tower offering people panoramic views of their town could soon open its doors for the first time in seven years.

Hartlepool Borough Council has submitted proposals to repair Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square, including its 120ft (36.6m) clock tower.

The plans have been put forward after the council secured £302,383 from the government to carry out urgent repairs to the former church building.

The planning statement said the alterations would be minimal but the project would "preserve the existing fabric and improve maintenance of the historic structure".

It added: "This project will enable the bell tower to be reopened to visitors which will ensure that the significance of the former church and bell tower can be better understood to visitors and the local community."

The Grade II listed building was formerly Christ Church before its conversion to an art gallery in the 1990s.

The clock tower has been closed since 2018 because the cost of the repairs was too high for the council to afford, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

If approved, repairs would be made to the internal stonework, the south-east spiral staircase and the tower's viewing platform.

Other measures include improvements to the lower roof, guarding and handrails, as well as adding safety protections to the bell mechanism.

The fire alarms and audio loop system will also be upgraded.

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