Cityheart to lead Darlington regeneration

A “transformational” regeneration project has taken a step forward with the appointment of a new development partner.

Darlington Borough Council has selected a consortium led by Cityheart to explore long-term plans for three key town centre sites on East Street, Commercial Street and Kendrew Street.

The partnership includes Willmott Dixon, Space Architects and Identity Consult, and will now work with the council to identify development opportunities.

Final proposals are expected to go to Cabinet early next year to inform the next phase of the regeneration programme.

James Litherland, senior development manager at Cityheart, said: “Darlington town centre has huge potential which has been bolstered by the relocation of the Treasury and other governments departments within the new Economic Campus. 

“We have pulled together an exemplar North East team including construction partner Willmott Dixon and we cannot wait to get started on this transformational project.

“Darlington represents the continued growth of Cityheart into new regions, including the North East, where we aim to make a real difference in transforming places with our partners.”

Councillor Chris McEwan, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy at Darlington Borough Council, added: “This is a huge step forward for our town in terms of regenerating areas which we know are ripe for development and improvement, and an exciting time for Darlington as a whole. 

“Now plans are being explored with a preferred partner consortium, we are one step closer to work getting underway.

“Make no mistake, this has the potential to be one of the biggest and most exciting improvement projects our town centre has seen for many years. 

“It is an ambitious initiative of a scale that was last seen when the town centre remodelling works were carried out in the 1960s and 80s, with the development opportunities in question covering a significant area in terms of square footage. 

“I fully believe this work will be of huge benefit to everyone who lives, works and enjoys spending their leisure time in our town centre.”

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