Darlington pushes on with Priestgate project
With asbestos removal complete, hoardings and scaffolding have been erected around the former Northern Echo building as its redevelopment advances.
The building, acquired in 2022 by the council, is being turned into an adult skills hub with serviced office accommodation, and is a cornerstone of town centre regeneration plans, funded by government and Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Sign-off was given at council level this summer, along with plans to acquire a former Wilko store and progress the Northgate project, where plans were then lodged in October.
With preparatory works to remove asbestos now completed, work to restore and preserve its frontage and install a new roof and windows will begin.
Workspace provider Adavo will design, deliver and operate the project which will offer more than a dozen new classrooms and teaching spaces for use by Learning & Skills Darlington and Darlington College, as well as business accommodation comprising 600+ workspaces.
The redevelopment, backed by Darlington’s Town Deal, will include solar panels and battery storage, energy efficient glazing and greywater recycling and filtration systems to reduce waste water.
Footpaths surrounding the building on Priestgate and Crown Street are expected to be closed until the spring. Three disabled parking bays on Crown Street will be unavailable during this period.
Peter Dees, quality assurance manager at Adavo, said: “This is a challenging project and we are supported by a strong team of local North East contractors who are helping to deliver specialist aspects of the development on what is a difficult and complex site. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone and to be in a position to progress plans which will celebrate and preserve the building’s rich and interesting history while bringing new opportunities to the town.”
Cllr Chris McEwan, Darlington’s cabinet member for economy, said: “This is an important and exciting project which supports our vision for Darlington to be one of the best places in the UK to live, learn, work or invest.
“The development will not only help to make sure local people have the right skills to be successful in the modern labour market but will offer superior accommodation for businesses looking to launch, grow or relocate in the town, with ready access to training, development and a qualified workforce.
“The environmental aspects of the building will also support our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future and the council’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2040.”
