Darlington Council has revealed comprehensive regeneration plans for the town centre, focusing on residential, mixed-use, and office-led commercial developments across Kendrew Street, East Street, and Commercial Street.

The initiative aims to attract investors and businesses by showcasing Darlington as a prime location. The council also seeks a private development partner to bring expertise to the project, which is expected to span 10 to 15 years.

The proposals include the demolition of the former Aruba nightclub and either the demolition or repurposing of the former Wilko store into a retail and leisure space. Additionally, the former Northern Echo building has been acquired, with plans to transform it into an Adult Training Hub on the ground floor and office space above.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service noted that the council described the project as “a large and ambitious regeneration initiative,” unprecedented since the town centre remodelling in the 1960s and 80s.

Acknowledging challenges such as the decline in retail and business trends, which have left high street shops empty or repurposed for lower-grade uses, Councillor Mandy Porte, cabinet member for resources, stated, “We need to be ambitious in our plans and we believe that it’s the best option for the development of the town.”ReplyReply allForward

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