Darlington Council launch public survey on town centre plans

The £1.37m investment secured for Skinnergate and the Yards comes from the Towns Fund, a £3.6bn government pot which aims to level-up funding and opportunities for communities across the country and deliver long-term growth.

The council says the funding will help transform the high street into a vibrant hub for future generations which will build on the work that has already been undertaken in the historic Yards.

Multiple walkabout and drop-in sessions have been planned where residents can review and suggest design inspirations.

Proposals include looking at how Skinnergate and the Yards operate as a public highway and how it looks and feels as a place.

Read more: Darlington Skinnergate housing scheme approved

Councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for economy, and Towns Fund programme manager, Chris Mains

The Towns Fund programme manager, Chris Mains, said: “The project will build upon the work already undertaken within Buckton’s and Clark’s Yards as part of early Towns Fund work.

“New shopfronts, doors, lighting, planting, WiFi, benches and CCTV installation have been completed in phase one.

“The latest proposals will develop further on the excitement generated in the Yards, with the Skinnergate creative strategy drawing on exemplar streets elsewhere in the country, while creating a place with a flavour of its own.”

Councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for economy said the funding will help deliver an “ambitious” regeneration of the town.

“The role of the high street has always evolved,” Cllr Marshall said. “We want to support that change and make sure that they are at the beating heart of the local community – with high quality housing and leisure in addition to shops and restaurants. Darlington continues to be a thriving, vibrant and successful market town.

"Through targeted capital investment and by taking advantage of our unique passenger railway heritage and our growth potential, we will ensure Darlington has a strong economic and sustainable future which builds on its sense of place and offers opportunities for all.”

Read more: Darlington's Skinnergate: The heart of the town in urgent need of some CPR

Darlington MP Peter Gibson, said: “Rejuvenation, restoration and renaissance of the famous Darlington yards is a symbol of brighter future for Darlington.

“The innovative Towns Fund projects, investment in Bank Top Station, and the establishment of the Darlington Economic Campus with all lead to more employment opportunities for our Town. I thank all of those involved in this exciting project for helping to put Darlington firmly on the map.”

On Thursday, November 11, between 5-7pm, the council will hold the first virtual consultation for stakeholders to review streetscape design inspirations and provide feedback via Zoom. Booking is required.

On Friday, November 12 and 19, between 12-2pm, join a walkaround on Skinnergate and the Yards with a landscape architect to discuss the changes you’d like to see. Booking is required.

On Saturday, November 13, between 10am-2pm, a drop-in session will be held on Skinnergate, outside the Quaker Meeting house, where you can see the mood boards and design inspirations.

On Saturday, November 20, between 10am-2pm, join the groundwork team in the Market Square, outside the Dolphin Centre to discuss the changes you’d like to see.

To book a place email beth.appleby@groundwork.org.uk.

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