Darlington Borough Council's cabinet has approved a further £560,000 to advance a town centre regeneration project that now includes the former Wilko building and car park on East Street.
The funding, agreed on Tuesday, November 3, will cover design work and other expenses needed to guide the scheme through the planning process. Proposals include 50,000 sq ft of new office accommodation on the former Sports Direct site at East Street, with the scheme expanded to incorporate the former Wilko building and car park. Plans for that area could feature demolition, parking provision and enhancements to the surrounding area.
Funding and Planning Process
The approval does not guarantee the development will proceed, as additional funding and another cabinet decision are required before construction can begin.
Deputy council leader Chris McEwan said talks had been ongoing with Tees Valley Combined Authority since June regarding potential grant funding.
"The discussions have identified an opportunity to access complementary funding via the Mayoral Transport Fund, but require the proposal to be widened to include the Wilko site," he said.
"The funding requested will deliver this subject to the formal planning process."
The council had previously allocated £410,000 to prepare a planning application for the new offices.
Economic Impact and Timeline
The development is proposed near the £120m government economic campus being constructed off Brunswick Street, which is anticipated to accommodate 1,600 civil servants. Consultants believe the office development could sustain 470 full-time positions, with approximately 275 of those earmarked for Darlington residents, while contributing £21m annually to the local economy.
A planning application is anticipated to be lodged by December, with a ruling expected by April 2027. Should additional funding and approval be obtained, building work could commence towards the latter part of 2027 and be completed by mid-2029.
