Historic Darlington yards set for new lease of life with revamp project

The historic yards and wynds of a County Durham town are set to be revitalised through a new revamp project.

Darlington Borough Council has begun transforming the town’s yards and wynds through a range of planned works.

Upgraded shop fronts, a living green wall, decorative lighting, benches, pots, planters and artwork are underway or in the pipeline in Darlington as part of the council’s Towns Fund.

Hand-painted stripes and signage has started to appear in Post House Wynd as part of the shopfront enhancements, designed by artist Nicky Peacock.

Nicky Peacock explained: “When I was considering designs for the shopfronts of Post House Wynd, I wanted plenty of colour and a bold, fresh approach to brighten the kerb appeal of this charming but somewhat underrated thoroughfare.

“Stripes never go out of style and colour lifts the spirits. I really wanted Darlington to have a motif all of its own – something memorable, surprising, and joyous – enter the candy-striped shop fronts.”

The Wynd Café & Bistro is the first of the upgrades to be complete, with new hand-painted signage, a turquoise shopfront and pastel coloured stripes.

Owner of Wynd Café & Bistro, Richard Waite, who opened the café last week, said: “We are really pleased with the outcome. It’s superb and looks a million per cent better. The work which is underway sounds really promising. The town has a nice feel to it and lots of potential.”

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Heather Scott, added: “Investing in our heritage assets like the historic yards and wynds is a key part of our vision and commitment to build on what’s here and take it forward.

“We want to create a resilient town centre rooted in its rich history. I think the pastel stripes look fantastic. There is a growing cluster of independent retailers in the Yards, and they are real gems.”

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