The 473,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme will be known as Trincomalee Wharf and will be situated on an 11.5-acre site at the south end of Hartlepool Marina, helping to link the area with Hartlepool town centre.

The joint owners of the site, Hartlepool Council, HMS Trincomalee Trust and English Partnerships, named Jomast the preferred developer.

The developer will build 85 luxury waterside apartments covering 81,700 sq ft as well as 50 affordable units over 50,000 sq ft.

The borough council's planning committee also approved outline proposals for a four-star hotel,shops, restaurants and offices.