Member Article

Town plan will create 2,000 jobs

A major investment project set to bring 2,000 jobs to Darlington has moved a step closer. The £200m Central Park development is planned for a site close to the East Coast Rail Line in the town.

The scheme will include 600 new homes, including revolutionary eco homes, first class offices, restaurants and bars, a hotel with conference centre, health and child care facilities, community linked public art and open spaces. A consortium of three developers has been chosen and work is due to begin in Summer 2008.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news for Darlington and the Tees Valley. We have signed up a consortium of developers with a first-rate reputation for delivering high-class community and neighbourhood renewal schemes. It is a signal to everyone that we mean business with three of the best property development names in the country signing up to be part of Darlington’s future. Central Park will be a huge success and bring tremendous benefits to the people of Darlington.”

Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “This latest announcement is further evidence that Darlington has a bright future. “Central Park will attract much investment and deliver high quality homes, offices and leisure facilities for our town.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .