£22.3m funding awarded to Darlington regeneration plans

Plans to boost a North East town centre’s economy have been given the green light with millions of pounds of regeneration funding.

The government has awarded £22.3m to Darlington Borough Council, which submitted its Town Investment Plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government earlier this year.

The funding will be used to complement, and extend, regeneration schemes in the town centre - in North Road, in the area between the town centre and the Head of Steam Museum, and Victoria Road, including the areas around the station and the cattle market.

The next stage will be to develop detailed business plans for the projects, with proposals including the urban regeneration of the Northgate area, the creation of a linear park along the River Skerne and investment in the Rail Heritage Quarter.

Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted that the ambitious proposals put forward by the Town Deal Board have now been backed by ministers and are looking forward to starting work on bringing our vision for the town to life.

“There will be long-lasting benefits to key parts of the town, not just from an economic point of view but in terms of improving the public realm, securing heritage assets and creating central housing and business accommodation.

“The proposals link in with many other projects, some already complete or under way, and working together we can build a strong economic and sustainable future for Darlington offering opportunities for all.”

Angela Howey, chairman of the Town Deal Board, added: “This really is a once in a generation opportunity for Darlington to use this substantial funding to make significant changes in key areas.

“It’s also a chance to link up with other major projects, including Bank Top station redevelopment and the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

“Working together we can give the area a real facelift and provide an economic boost to the town.”

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