Plans for 'game-changing' learning hub move forward

Plans for a multi-million-pound education hub have moved forward.

Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet has backed a site lease agreement to create a STEM training base in the railway town.

Officials say the “game-changing” development will “support local people to secure well-paid, specialist roles in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors”.

A formal planning application for the venture, which is set for the town’s Science Park and will be operated by Darlington College, is expected later this year. 

Meanwhile, councillors have also backed a blueprint to create a 50,000sq ft-plus office on the footprint of a former Sports Direct store.

Set to neighbour an under-construction 1600-plus-job Government hub, the base is earmarked to include 500 workspaces, with a formal planning application set for later this year.

Hailing the developments as a “new era” for the town, Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council cabinet member for economy, said: “The STEM centre is groundbreaking for Darlington; it will make a real difference to education and skills options for our communities.

“Bringing more people into the town centre to work in the new office space is great news, as the increasing footfall will ensure our town remains well used, vibrant and attractive for many years to come.”

The projects are supported by council development partner Cityheart, with further backing from Space Architects, Identity Consult, engineers BGP and TGA, ELG Planning and landscape architect OOBE.

James Litherland, Cityheart development director, added: “The STEM centre will provide a fantastic learning environment for people across Tees Valley, and the office space will provide much-needed, high-quality jobs and support the vitality of the town centre.”

The STEM centre endeavour was last year backed by a £16 million commitment from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with further funding from a Pride in Place grant.

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