Darlington’s new STEM Centre takes major step forward
The next steps in a plan to bring a flagship science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre to Darlington have been given the go ahead.
At a meeting of Cabinet last night, approval was given for the STEM Centre to be sited at the town’s Science Park, alongside Teesside University and CPI, with construction to start later this year.
The introduction of the centre will provide clear pathways from school so local people can access high-value careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. The facility will also enable existing businesses and large employers to recruit and upskill locally.
Since October last year, we have been working with partners and the Department of Business and Trade to discuss the opportunity to build a STEM Centre in Darlington. The need for a STEM Centre was identified at the Science Park steering group who were concerned about a local skills gap in these areas.
The development partner for the delivery of the project is the Cityheart partnership which is also engaged in delivering regeneration projects across four town centre sites.
Cityheart is a leading developer specialising in public partnership with a growing portfolio of ground-breaking regeneration projects across the UK. The wider development team includes Space Architects, Identity Consult, engineers BGP and TGA, ELG Planning and OOBE landscape architects.
Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “It’s fantastic to see Darlington moving closer to securing a local STEM learning facility, which will ultimately lead to local people securing well-paid specialist roles in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in the future.
“This project is groundbreaking for Darlington in that it will make a real difference in term of education and skills options for our communities and demonstrates our commitment as a council to continuing to support our town. This project also further shows our commitment to the delivery of our council plan priority of securing a strong, sustainable economy and highly skilled workforce with opportunities for all.”
“This project is the latest in several projects aimed at improving our town and economy. It’s an exciting time for Darlington with much work ongoing to ensure our town remains vibrant and thriving, now and in the future.”
James Litherland, Development Director, Cityheart, commented: “We’re proud to be working with the Council to provide this landmark educational facility, one that will create opportunities for people of all ages across Darlington in the high-growth industries of the future.
“The STEM Centre will stand as a true centre of excellence, shaped in partnership with leading businesses and industry experts, and driving regeneration and investment across the town. Darlington’s future is bright, and this is just the beginning, as our partnership with the Council will continue to unlock even more exciting developments in the months ahead.”
David Gartland Principal and CEO from Darlington College said: “This project is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work towards a common goal. Together, we are creating a world‑class, state‑of‑the‑art STEM facility for Darlington; one that will open doors for our community, connect learners with outstanding employers and lead to highly skilled, well-paid careers.
This development is for everyone. It is intentionally inclusive. We are committed to ensuring that people from under‑represented groups and those who may not have had these opportunities in the past can thrive, right here in Darlington. It’s an incredibly exciting time and this project will make a truly positive difference for so many”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £16m allocation from the Growth Mission Fund to support the delivery of the project alongside £5m allocated from Darlington’s Pride in Place programme. The project is subject to Government approval of the full business case and the release of grant funding.