Feethams House construction site open to visitors

Feethams House construction site has opened for visitors for the first time since work began to welcome an organised tour.

The Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, Minister of State for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth at the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ben Houchen Tees Valley Mayor, Heather Scott Leader of Darlington Borough Council, local councillors, business leaders and potential tenants, were all given a guided tour of the building which is still under construction, as part of Darlington Business Week.

The tour followed a technical presentation which informed the group about the key features of the development.

Work started on the £8.5 million office complex in February and since then the five storey building has begun to take shape.

The site, next to the new Feethams leisure complex, on the site of the old Beaumont street carpark, has been funded by Darlington Borough Council (DBC), the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund.

Once complete the building is expected to provide accommodation for small and medium businesses in the professional services, digital and creative fields.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP said: “Government investment is flowing into the area and I have seen for myself how the Tees Valley Mayor and local leaders are using this money to boost the economy and support world-class centres for advanced manufacturing, innovation and research.

 “From our £450million Tees Valley Devolution Deal, to each borough receiving a generous share of the new £3.6 billion Towns Fund, the Government is backing this region to be at the forefront of a thriving Northern Powerhouse as we level up every part of the UK.”

Ben Houchen Tees Valley Mayor said: “The new Feethams office space is exactly what we need for local companies to grow into and to attract top tier firms to Darlington and the Tees Valley. The message is clear, businesses can expect best quality office accommodation and support in our region if they come here to grow their enterprises and create jobs.”

Heather Scott Leader of Darlington Borough Council said: “It’s been fantastic to have a look around the new Feethams office complex and I’m impressed with the work that’s been done so far.

“We’ve had a great turn out from people keen to get a look at potential office space for their business and take advantage of the great location and transport network links Darlington offers.”

It is expected the building will be complete in the spring of next year.