Consultation to pave the way for Victoria Road improvement
Residents and businesses of a main road from Darlington Station into the town centre are to be asked to help form plans to improve the area.
Victoria Road is a key route in Darlington and helps form the first impression of many visitors as they make their way from Bank Top into the town centre.
A long-term vision to improve the station is already in place. Following a successful funding application, Darlington Borough Council now has a budget for developing ideas and designs to improve the wider Victoria Road area, with delivery anticipated in 2019/20.
Groundwork North East & Cumbria has been appointed to undertake a consultation process. The first stage will be to identify what issues people have with the way the street is now, and any suggestions for improvements. Feedback will be used to create several options, then a second phase of consultation will gather feedback on those suggestions.
The project is funded with monies form the Sustainable Access to Employment programme and is supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority.
The first stage will start in mid-November and will take the form of street surveys and an online tool. The second phase will include events where people can discuss ideas face to face with councillors, council officers and other partners. A final report, outlining any recommendations, is expected by the end of March.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Cabinet member for Leisure, Local Environment and Transport, said: “Victoria Road is often the first glimpse people get of Darlington. For one reason or another, it sadly does not always paint the town in its best light.
“We have an opportunity to make a real and positive difference in the area. To do that, we want to hear the views of residents and businesses, as well as those using the station. Watch this space for further details on the consultation and how to share your views.”
Details of the consultation will be published at www.darlington.gov.uk/consultations and on social media.