DEC’s “massive impact” hailed following report

A new independent report highlights the “massive impact” of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC) on the town and the wider region.

Home to major Government departments such as HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, the DEC has generated nearly 900 jobs since its establishment in 2021. 

A survey by international consulting firm Drees and Sommer, which was commissioned by the Treasury to measure the DEC’s role since it came to the town, revealed that 78 per cent of respondents believe the campus has boosted local job opportunities, with two-thirds agreeing it has positively impacted the region.

The DEC has also attracted new businesses, including legal firms, to Darlington. 

Future plans include a larger five-storey facility at Brunswick Campus, near the Hippodrome Theatre, set to open in 2027, increasing the civil service workforce to over 1,400.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m proud the huge effort we made in ensuring we brought the Treasury and wider campus to Darlington has paid off.

“This survey shows in black and white the massive impact it’s made to jobs, investment and careers right on our doorstep.

“This has been a trailblazer in showing hundreds of people from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can build a great civil service career close to home.

“I’m looking forward to the Brunswick site being developed as soon as possible – and I’ll keep working as hard as I can to ensure central Government keep their word and build on Darlington’s early success.”

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