Work to start on £5m Darlington scheme that could create 2000 jobs

Construction work is set to start on an industrial scheme that could bring over 2,000 new jobs to Darlington.

Ingenium Parc, which will span nearly 100 acres on Salters Lane, off Yarm Road, is a £5m development joint funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Department for Transport.

Darlington Borough Council Leader Stephen Harker was joined at the site recently by Cllr Chris McEwan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to mark the beginning of phase one.

During the project’s first phase, builders will deliver highways improvements and a new access road along with utilities and ecological work.

The access road and on-site utilities will enable the development of the first 28.4 acres, and the creation of up to 1,000 jobs by 2021.

Cllr Harker said: “Ingenium Parc will create high-quality industrial employment opportunities for the next generation. It will be an excellent addition to support Darlington’s growing economy.

“The site is well placed for access to the motorway network and will provide opportunities for our skilled workforce.”

He continued: “We’re well aware of the importance of the site for its biodiversity and we’ve gone to great lengths to mitigate against any impact.

“The masterplan for the development includes enhanced habitats and green infrastructure to ensure that industry sits seamlessly alongside nature.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen commented: “I’m delighted yet another project we’ve helped fund has seen spades in the ground this year.

“Companies looking to make the Tees Valley their home, and also our successful growing businesses, are crying out for the sort of high-quality industrial space Ingenium Parc will provide.”

He added: “This will be another string to Darlington’s bow, giving brilliant opportunities for even more inward investment, job creation and economic growth, not just for the town, but for the wider Tees Valley.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said of the project: “This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building a country that works for everyone.

“Our £3.9m investment in the Ingenium Parc industrial site is a great example of our modern Industrial Strategy and the work that is taking place across Tees Valley, to regenerate the area and encourage Clean Growth.”

Plots in the first phase of the development are expected to be available from 2019/20.

The header image shows (L-R) Darlington Council business investment manager Mark Carrigan, Cllr Chris McEwan, Cllr Stephen Harker and Ingenium Parc project manager Emily Edwards.