The Towns Fund
The council has provided funding to support the build of a new engineering block at Darlington College.
The new building called the Ingenium Centre, includes two advanced workshops and classroom space. It has allowed the College to expand on its engineering courses, including T-levels and higher education options. It is helping train the next generation of skilled workers.
The project aligns with plans to improve the skills of local people. This will help them them find higher quality, better paid jobs and bring more money into the local economy.
The former Northern Echo building on Priestgate is an important part of plans to improve the town centre.
The council bought the building in 2022. It is now being redeveloped into a new centre for adult skills, with high‑quality, serviced office space on the upper floors.
Workspace provider Adavo will design and run the project. They have experience creating and managing office spaces in well‑known buildings across the North East. The project will offer great opportunities for local people to learn new skills, find jobs and develop their careers. It will also support businesses that want to start, grow, or move to Darlington.
The refurbishment will respect the building’s history. It will include original Darlington and Stockton Times glasswork and a memorial to honour those who served in the Great War.
Sustainability is a key part of the project, with plans for the building to achieve recognised environmental standards.
Improvements to Skinnergate and the Yards focused on three main areas: making public spaces better, improving buildings and shopfronts, and creating new homes and business spaces.
The council has worked closely with local artist Nicky Peacock on a project called Project Darling [pdf document]. This project reimagines the town’s historic yards, taking inspiration from places like The Lanes in Brighton, Neal’s Yard in London, and The Shambles in York. The colourful shopfronts and updated public spaces have helped make the Yards a popular place for visitors. The project won Best in Region at the RTPI North East Awards for Planning Excellence in 2024.
So far, more than half of the properties in the area have been improved, with more businesses set to benefit during 2024/25.
A revised plan to improve outdoor seating and support pavement cafés on Coniscliffe Road was approved in August 2024.
The plans include wider pavements so businesses can have permanent outdoor seating. There will also be a small park with seating, along with new trees and planters. Other changes include new bollards and signs, changes to the road layout, and a new cycle parking area.
The project aims to make the area greener, cleaner, and safer. It will create an attractive space where people can spend time and explore local independent businesses.
Work is planned to start in October 2024 and finish in spring 2025.
You can watch a short video [external link] about the project.
If you would like more information, please contact [email protected]