Market Hall gets red carpet treatment
Building upon its extensive refurbishment programme and introduction of diverse new stallholders, Hartlepool’s indoor market is now enjoying its moment in the spotlight following the launch of a film.
A four-minute-long video has been put together to document the transformation of the Market Hall in the town’s Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.
The film, which has been watched by viewers as far afield as New York and Ireland, shows the Market Hall before a number of new stalls were opened and prior to the work completed by Hartlepool College of Further Education students to revamp the tired-looking facility.
It also includes interviews with stallholders and shoppers at the market’s official re-launch in September, which was undertaken by Mayor Stuart Drummond and Hartlepool United footballer Adam Boyd.
Mick Emerson, principal economic development officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, whose team at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre is responsible for overseeing the regeneration project, said: "The film is absolutely fantastic and showcases just what can be done when a council, businesses and the local community all come together. We have had contact from councils all over the country asking us how the project was put together and wanting to emulate it."
The film, which can be viewed on You Tube, was produced under the Buy Local Hartlepool banner and aims to encourage people to do as much of their shopping in their local vicinity.
The Buy Local campaign has also hit the internet with a 'We Buy Local in Hartlepool' group on Facebook which so far has more than 170 members who have pledged support by buying local wherever possible.
Mr Emerson added: "The success of this project is dependent on the people of Hartlepool and their continued support. We really appreciate the fact that they have taken the Buy Local campaign to their hearts and in doing so are helping local jobs and the local economy.
"I hope they continue to show their support by shopping local and joining our Facebook group for more updates and information."
The Market Hall film can be viewed by visiting www.youtube.com and entering the search term "Buy Local Hartlepool".
