New plans to convert a former NHS walk-in centre into apartments have been revealed as part of a Darlington town centre regeneration scheme.
The former urgent care facility at Dr Piper House, King Street, closed in 2019 and updated plans have now been submitted to redevelop the site. Following its closure, the clinic moved into a new permanent base at Forsyth House on Woodland Road, nearer to the Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Up to 22 apartments across two floors have been proposed by the applicant, Gain Consultants. It is the second time a proposal concerning the building has been lodged, however, after a previous bid to create 30 flats was shelved.
A statement from Gain Consultants, submitted as part of the application, read: “Like its predecessor, this scheme provides for the highly sustainable re-use of a relatively modern and attractive building, offering much-needed town centre housing for small households ranging from the young professional to the able retired alike.”
It comes after council officers announced an ambition to transform the area by creating a new mixed-use residential and commercial gateway to the town. There are plans to demolish Northgate Tower, which looms over the town centre and has been derelict for years, as well as redeveloping buildings on Gladstone Street and Kendrew Street.
The Northgate area of Darlington has been outlined for redevelopment (Image: The Northern Echo)
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New housing could also be built on the two car parks on Kendrew Street. Around £11m from the Government’s Towns Fund programme will be invested into the scheme. Further details on the plans are expected later this year.
Council planners previously talked of taking inspiration from the recent revamp of the Ouseburn area of Newcastle. The neighbourhood’s transformation has made it the go-to spot for pubs, cafes, bakeries and art galleries with Darlington officials hoping to replicate its success.
Responding to a question from Conservative councillors about the plans for Northgate, Labour’s cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, replied: “It remains a priority and is something I have spoken with officers on several occasions.”
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