A HARTLEPOOL entrepreneur has invested £250,000 in one of the town’s most well-known hotels.

Businessman Brian Morton, who owns several businesses in the town, including the Sports Domes and Staincliffe Hotel at Seaton Carew, recently purchased the Hillcarter Hotel which is now undergoing major refurbishment.

The Hartlepool Vision has earmarked the 26-bedroom hotel, located in Church Street, as one of eight areas of the town to breathe new life and attract new jobs into Hartlepool.

As part of the revamp six extra en-suite bedrooms will be created as well as a new sports lounge, a re-fitted Hillcarter Lounge and an ambitious rooftop restaurant.

Mr Morton said: “I’m very excited by the Hartlepool Vision and was keen to buy into it and play my part in the revitalisation of Hartlepool.

The news also follows the announcement that real estate company M Seven could create 50 new jobs by investing a seven-figure sum refurbishing the Highlight Retail Park.

Both have been attracted to Hartlepool Borough Council's Hartlepool Vision scheme, designed to attract more investment in the town.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “It is really encouraging that another business has backed the Hartlepool Vision.

“The Church Square area is a key part of our future vision where we aim to provide a skills quarter providing learning opportunities and accommodation for young people.”

The eight sites include the town centre, Jacksons Landing/Trincomalee Wharf and the marina, Church Street, Seaton Carew, the Headland, Wynyard, the Port and Queens Meadow.