Member Article

Quality office space in Darlington remains at a premium due to ‘economic optimism’

Quality office space continues to be in demand across Darlington and the wider Tees Valley, according to two commercial property experts.

Both Hagen Developments and Connect Property North East say high enquiry levels suggests the appetite for businesses to expand or relocate to Darlington remains undiminished.

The arrival of the Treasury campus in the town – together with several other high profile investments – is generating optimism about the future and a desire for businesses to be at the centre of the new economic activity taking place across the Tees Valley.

This has led to increased ‘north shoring’ as businesses based in other regions moving to, or setting up satellite offices in the area, together with local firms implementing those growth plans put on hold during the pandemic.

Stuart Keegan, senior surveyor at Hagen Developments, said the trend is typified by recent activity at its Pioneer Court business park in Darlington – which is made up of both tenants and owner occupiers.

“Last year was an exciting period for Pioneer Court with the arrival of four new occupiers plus three lease extensions.

“These involved North East-based firms seeking to establish a presence in the Tees Valley or international businesses bringing their global expertise to the region.

“In fact, such is the demand for quality office space that only one unit of 2,352 sq. ft remains available for rent, which is very encouraging and reflects the confidence businesses have in Darlington and the wider Tees Valley.”

“Pioneer Court is proving popular because the units offer flexible and adaptable space which support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, as well as possessing the essentials, including fibre broadband, high EPC ratings, parking and easy access to amenities.”

Tim Carter, a director of Connect Property North East, added: “High quality office space is in demand in the Darlington area.

“As we exit the Covid era, businesses realise that they want to get their staff back into the office and are seeking more space combined with a better standard of environment – typified by the need for break out space and leisure areas.

“There is no doubt that the high-profile activity involving the Darlington Economic Campus and Teesside Freeport, together with other high profile investments, has put the area firmly on the map and underlines the obvious opportunities that are available.”

Stuart Keegan said: “There are obvious attractions for companies currently based in high-cost UK regions and cities. At the same time Darlington remains accessible, given its proximity to the A1(M) and A19, Teesside and Newcastle airports and the East Coast main line.

“I’m confident that businesses seeking to expand, or those locating to the area, will benefit from the real buzz surrounding the economic renaissance of Darlington and the Tees Valley.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .