William Gray, probably the most eminent shipbuilder in Hartlepool, expanded into an area west of the North Basin at the Central Dock in 1887. It adjoined the Central Marine Engine Works also managed by Gray, and was opposite the Dock Authority's dock which was possible to lease. In the yard was 3 building berths with a maximum length of 450ft and covered 5 1/2 acres.

The first ship built here was the Missouri, a screw steamer, schooner rigged vessel launched in December 1888 .

The yard is shown on the 1890s Ordnance Survey maps featuring the authority Graving Dock next door. The shipyard was connected to the wider dock tramway network and the 3 building berths are visible.

By 1900, it was further upgraded with two more building berths added, 500ft long. This meant there were now 11 in total across his portfolio, employing some 3000 men.

The yard had closed around the mid 1950s alongside the other shipyards within the decade around it, and the area has been entirely redeveloped. The Central Dock has been filled in though its outline is still evident on satellite imagery.

To read a more comprehensive history on William Gray and his shipyards, read the entry on the Middleton Shipyard: https://www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/shipbuilding-archive/har005/middleton-shipyard

Output of yard an estimate.