Grant funding for Victorian market redevelopment to be debated

Councillors will be asked to release more than £2m of grant funding to support the development of a key element of the regeneration of Darlington’s historic indoor market.

The Temperate Garden, a glass structure filled with greenery on the eastern side of the market building, has been designed to create additional space for visitors to eat, drink and relax, as well as opening up access to the market’s underground vaults, which are earmarked for restaurant and bar developments.  

The Indoor Market is leased by the council to Market Asset Management Ltd, which is responsible for the redevelopment of the site and the daily operation of both the indoor and outdoor markets.

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet will be asked to release £2,050,000 of funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Indigenous Growth Fund allocation to support the project.

The Temperate Garden is the third phase of a wide-ranging redevelopment of the market building, which is underway with repairs to the roof and installation of a biomass boiler.

The market hall will then undergo a major transformation creating a modern, vibrant venue for retail, street food and entertainment, attracting people from around the region. A new mezzanine business centre will also be created. Work is set to begin in early 2021.

Councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for economy, said: “The Temperate Garden is an exciting addition to the market redevelopment scheme and we’re pleased that the grant funding on offer from TVCA will extend this development further.

“This is a wide ranging redevelopment project that will cover ever aspect of this historic building. The aim is to create a venue that appeals to everyone, regardless of the their age – somewhere you can visit during the day for lunch, a cup of tea or to stock up on great local produce, or visit on an evening to enjoy dinner, drinks or a show.

“Things are really starting to get moving behind the scenes and we’re looking forward to seeing the work get underway early next year.”

Members of the cabinet will meet remotely on Tuesday, September 15, at 5pm.