Millions have already been spent on Hartlepool's impressive marina

It is hoped the plans for Hartlepool's Victoria Harbour and docks will bring about 5,000 jobs over the next decade.

Tees Valley Regeneration and PD Ports have submitted joint outline planning applications for the 200-acre site.

If approved, the mixture of homes, shops and offices, would be one of the largest urban regeneration schemes seen in the north-east of England.

The land, owned by PD Ports and which is largely derelict, will see about 3,000 homes, 150,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and one million sq ft of office space.

Cycle bridge

The plans also feature leisure and shopping and the construction of a landscaped waterfront.

A spokesman for Tees Valley Regeneration said: "The project will develop a whole new community for the town.

"The site lies to the north of the town centre between the highly successful Marina and the historic Headland.

"Existing businesses will be retained where possible, and there will be attractions of a quality to tempt visitors and businesses from the region and beyond, emulating the success of the Historic Quay and the marina which is currently the work base for over 2,600 people.

"An innovative pedestrian and cycle bridge, engineered to allow the passage of ships, will link the Headland to the site and along a new harbour front to the Marina.

"One awe-inspiring design feature which underlines the quality of the scheme is The Wave, combining landscaped parkland, water features and public art which will flow through the development."

Work is hoped to begin in 2005, with the project lasting about 10 years.