Darlington Indoor Market redevelopment

Darlington Indoor Market is embarking on a significant redevelopment transformation to become a market for all people, attracting a wide demographic and to nurture a family-based evening economy.

Work has already started improving the roof, as engineers ascertain the full extent of the problem in readiness for contractors to start work. Early indications from the engineers are as predicted and we hope progress will be good.

The first phase of the development features a re-development and re-purposing of approximately one third of the shop floor to provide a street food scene, bar and events stage, an enhanced entrance to West Row and additional public toilets. There will be six street food vendors in purpose-built units and a large communal seating area. We will produce and manage a full events diary and focus our efforts on driving family-based evening economy to benefit the market and the wider town-centre and to dovetail with our recent successful outdoor markets and events, which are all set to continue.

The second phase will involve a face-lift to the remaining shop floor of the market providing a more exciting place to shop, a mezzanine level business centre and new public toilets and retail units to West Row elevation.

The last phase will include the construction of a new temperate garden to the East Row elevation and redevelopment of large sections of the market vaults into a bar and restaurant.

Works are due to commence on site at the start of January 2021 and last until May 2022 at a capital investment made by Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd of circa £1.8M.

Raymond Linch; MAM’s Managing Director is quoted as saying ‘we are immensely proud and excited to be redeveloping Darlington Market. We strongly believe our initiatives will generate high levels of new footfall to supplement existing shoppers and add several new dimensions to how our town-centres are re-vitalised. Although phase 1 pre-letting has yet to formally start, we have already received a number of strong and interesting applications for space’

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “We’re pleased to see the plans for the refurbishment of the Indoor Market progress to the next stage and we’ll be working closely with MAM to ensure the project is a success.

“The Indoor Market is a jewel in Darlington’s crown and the planned investment will make it a real hub for our community for years to come. The market, including the outdoor market, is at the heart of our long term plans to revitalise the town centre and ensure there is something for everyone in both the day and night time economy.”

(image is artist's impression)