Member Article

New Darlington business centre could house 300 jobs, should plans go ahead

Darlington Borough Council has launched proposals to develop a new town centre business hub, which could bring up to 300 new jobs to the area should plans get the green light.

The scheme would be the next stage of the town’s Feethams development which has already delivered a new leisure complex and Department of Education (DfE) building, alongside the growing enterprise hub Business Central.

If approved, the 30,000 sq ft building could be completed as soon as autumn 2019 and will occupy a former car park site, a five minute walk from Darlington train station.

Councillor Chris Mc Ewan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration commented: “Feethams House is an important part of our vision for Darlington, cementing its position as a key business destination within the Tees Valley.

“As a Local Authority, we are very proud of what we have achieved in recent years and this gives us a further platform for economic growth in the Borough and specifically it will help increase footfall in the Town Centre”

The scheme is to be marketed by local property consultancy Connect Property North East, along with Cushman & Wakefield, while work has already begun in seeking potential occupiers for the building ahead of construction.

Andrew Wilkinson, Director at Connect Property North East, commented: “Darlington has a strong indigenous business community but lacks high quality office space to retain its growing enterprises and attract new investment from business outside of the town.

“Feethams House will certainly address that shortage with a new standard of office accommodation for the town.”

Greg Davison, Head of Office Agency at Cushman & Wakefield’s Newcastle office said: “In Feethams House, we see a fantastic opportunity to deliver a scheme that can appeal to corporate occupiers of an international scale, as well as provide vital growth space for businesses established in the town to remain in the town. It is an important scheme for Darlington and plays to its many strengths.”

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