Member Article

Darlington North Retail Park reaches full capacity

The four-acre Darlington North Retail Park has reached full occupation after food-on-the-go retailer Greggs acquired the site’s last remaining unit.

Developed by West Yorkshire property and investment company Opus North, construction began in March 2015 with Stainforth Construction of Shipley as the main contractor.

Other occupiers on the park, which has created 150 jobs, include retail giants Aldi, Poundland and Iceland, together with a KFC Drive Thru’ restaurant, Subway, Card Factory, Jolleys Pet Store and Barnados.

The park has been built on land on Albert Road, next to its junction with North Road and Whessoe Road. Just prior to work starting on site, Darlington North was sold to the British Steel Pension Fund for £10 million.

Andrew Duncan, managing director of Opus North, commented: “It is tremendous news that Darlington North is now fully occupied. The park is revitalising an important area of the town and is providing a very attractive retail offering.

“Meanwhile the sale of Darlington North is a massive endorsement of Darlington as a retail location. We worked hard, from assembling the land which was under different ownerships, to securing a raft of very popular and successful retail occupiers, so this sale was a satisfying conclusion.”

“We have also co-operated closely and successfully with planners at Darlington Borough Council. This is a very exciting development for the town of Darlington, creating jobs and boosting the economy.”

Coun Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “The new development is a good addition to the retail offer in the north of Darlington. It is great news that the North Retail Park is fully let, a clear signal that private businesses want to invest in Darlington.”

“This is the culmination of a great public-private sector partnership with Opus North, which has brought 150 new jobs and further choice of shops to the public.

“It’s fantastic to see another developer putting their faith in Darlington, proving it’s a town worth investing in. I’m confident that this will be another popular destination for shoppers from both inside and outside of the borough.”