Projects to benefit from £1million Towns Fund grant

COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed a £1million government grant to kickstart vital regeneration projects in Darlington.

It was announced over the summer Darlington was to receive a share of the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund.

The £1million, which will be received in the coming days, will benefit projects such as:

• Phase 1 of Project Darling in The Yards, which will breathe new life into this historic part of the town centre
• Plans to light up the Clock Tower and other key features
• New Wi-Fi across the town centre
• Securing properties in Northgate.

The news has been welcomed by the Towns Fund Board, which is made up of the leader of the council, senior figures from business, education, the voluntary sector and members of the council management team.

Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Darlington, which will bring about real benefits for our town centre and further afield.

“The impact of Covid-19 makes these investments more important than ever and we know how challenging it has been for people in Darlington.

“I look forward to working with the Towns Fund Board over the coming months to work on these projects and continue delivering success for Darlington.”

Angela Howey, chair of the Towns Fund Board, said: “This announcement marks the latest milestone in this process and is testament to a great deal of hard work, behind the scenes, by a lot of people dedicated to the same cause – making Darlington the best it can be."

Darlington MP Peter Gibson added: “I am delighted to see the support coming from Government, which will help our town build on the plans we have to transform our town centre, and ready ourselves for 2025.

“I have everything crossed that we make it through the next stage, and are awarded £25 million pounds of extra investment, and I continue to press ministers at every opportunity.

“This fund will start to transform Darlington and I am delighted to be working alongside Darlington Borough Council to help make Darlington a better and brighter place to be, for residents, businesses and visitors."