Millions secured to support bold plans for Northern Echo building

Around £11.4 million in funding has been confirmed to redevelop the iconic Northern Echo building in Darlington.

The building, in Priestgate, which was bought by Darlington Borough Council in 2022, will be a cornerstone in plans to regenerate the town centre and will feature an adult skills hub alongside high quality, commercial office space.

The Council’s original ambitions for the site focussed on the transformation of the ground floor, however revised proposals to extend works to the upper floors were recently approved by the Towns Fund which has agreed funding of £6.3 million towards the project.  The remaining £5.1 million is to be funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

The extended scope will allow for more commercial letting space which will help to address increased demand and will maximise the economic benefits of the project. It will also support ambitions to increase collaboration between businesses and education providers; helping to ensure learners gain relevant experience and are ‘job ready’.

David Gartland, Town Board Vice Chair, said: “We are delighted that the Towns Fund have accepted our revised proposals and that we are able to take the next steps in regenerating this important and historic building. Adult learning is a high priority for the town and this redevelopment project is aligned with that.”

Cllr Chris McEwan, Deputy Leader of the Council and cabinet member for economy, said: “The redevelopment of the Northern Echo building presents an ideal opportunity to help more people into high-quality, well-paid employment. Alongside this, the proposed office space is in high demand and these plans will help to ensure we have the right infrastructure for people wanting to bring their business to Darlington and bring more jobs to the town.”

Darlington MP Peter Gibson, a member of the Towns Fund board, said: “Having secured £23.3m for Darlington under the Towns Fund a raft of projects have been brought about to level up our town. The acquisition, and redevelopment of the landmark Northern Echo Building to deliver essential adult education is a key part of these projects and will continue to help local people stay local but go far.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Northern Echo building is a truly historic site and this fantastic project will breathe new life into the offices and deliver significant benefits to Darlington town centre.

“Our funding will provide much-needed commercial space to attract and grow businesses while also supporting essential training to help people secure the well-paid, skilled jobs that are being created right across Darlington, Teesside and Hartlepool.”