A NEW four-metre high sculpture will grace the seafront at Seaton Carew as part of a package of improvements to the area.

Hartlepool artist Stuart Langley’s piece received more than a third of the public vote after nine artists were shortlisted by Hartlepool Council earlier this year to produce the sculpture.

The artwork, called “Waves”, will be made from steel and glass to reflect the town’s industrial and maritime heritage, encased within a clear cast acrylic material, and will be located on the promenade near Seaton Reach.

Mr Langley, who has exhibited at several exhibitions, including in Europe, was commissioned to produce work for Durham’s Lumiere Festival in 2013 which provided the springboard for his full-time artistic career.

He said: “In the coming months people will have the opportunity to contribute to the final sculpture via local sea glass collections which will encourage a genuine sense of ownership of the artwork destined to be a part of Hartlepool’s cultural landscape for years to come.”

Other planned improvements at Seaton Carew over the next twelve months will include the creation of a new outdoor leisure park with water jets, play equipment, beach huts, picnic tables, crazy golf course and new attractive landscaping.

The revamp follows a £600,000 grant win by the council to carry out the works.

The Grade II Listed Bus Station and Clock Tower will also be rejuvenated, complete with new footpaths and a gateway feature.