Exciting revamp in the town's Market Hall

An exciting revamp is happening in Darlington’s Market Hall – and it’s almost complete!

The first phase of the major redevelopment is done and new street food stalls will open to the public TODAY, giving them tastes from around the world.

There will be six different kitchens and an eating area, offering international food options such as loaded fries, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Hungarian and Thai cuisine.

The hall will also have a stage with plans to have evening entertainment - from live music to pub quizzes - between Thursday and Saturday.

As well as improved customer facilities, new WCs and a seating area to encourage footfall, other practical improvements are also being introduced to help stallholders. These include kitchen facilities in the market vaults, purpose-designed food production rooms in the basement and internal service stairs for easier access.

When the facelift is complete next year, the wall closest to the market square will be replaced with glass - allowing people to look out over Horse Market - and there will be a temperate garden with greenery offering a relaxing space on the eastern side of the building, and another bar installed.

Mark Ladyman, assistant director of economic growth at Darlington Borough Council, said: “The renovation of the indoor market is a crucial part of the council’s town centre strategy and is the first phase of a three part renovation of the market hall. We are confident that this phase will be of real benefit to Darlington residents and an attraction for people to come to the town from further afield. We hope that the market will be a source of renewed civic pride, business prosperity and a pleasure for visitors to enjoy.”