The redevelopment of an eyesore town centre tower block has been outlined as a key priority.
Plans to transform Darlington town centre’s tallest building, Northgate House, into high-rise housing were scrapped last year – and questions now surround the future of the building.
The housing proposal was one of many for the building overlooking the town centre, several of which have been approved without undergoing the normal planning process.
While the building has been empty it has become the focus of antisocial behaviour and safety concerns, including police appealing to youths to stop free running on the 131ft building’s roof.
Read more: Land purchased at Darlington's Northgate as part of regenration
In July last year it was revealed bringing the increasingly run-down building back into use was part of regeneration plans for the Northgate area, with the council said to be considering using a compulsory purchase order to buy it.
And Darlington Council leader Jonathan Dulston has now outlined his intention to redevelop the tower block after CCTV equipment was removed from the roof.
“Northgate tower has been an eyesore in the town for many years,” said Cllr Dulston. “As the new leader of the council, I have made this one of my top priorities to deal with. I am meeting with the owners of this building in the coming weeks with a view that serious attention on its future needs to be considered.
“I have asked council and other partners who have equipment on the top of this building to make every effort to remove it as a priority so that future opportunities can be explored.”
Read more: Flats proposal for Darlington's Northgate House scrapped
Developers previously lodged plans with Darlington Borough Council to create 71 flats, previously 106, in Northgate House, which was built in 1976, consists of nine floors, and has housed companies and government agencies.
However, it was rejected by councillors last year and any future developments are now in doubt
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