Concerns over long-term future of Darlington's DL1

DL1 - formerly known as the Feethams leisure complex - opened in 2016 as a landmark redevelopment project, revitalising a neglected part of the town. 

Boasting a multiplex cinema, restaurants, a café, a pub and a hotel, the “crucial” multi-million-pound project took the town’s leisure offering to new heights. 

But since 2018, a string of big-name chains have pulled out from the site, including Italian restaurant chain Prezzo, The Chinese Buffet, and coffee shop Mangobean. 

Then, earlier this month, growing steakhouse chain Tomahawk revealed that it had closed its venue for good in the latest blow to DL1. 

Tomahawk, in Darlington, which has closed (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to The Northern Echo this week, owner Howard Eggleston said the chain decided it would be “better to pull out” due to “zero footfall” at the complex. 

He also said the owners had “no intention of helping to do anything” - citing instances of anti-social behaviour and “non-existent” security.

But this wasn’t the first time a chain had raised concerns over footfall. 

After closing at DL1 in 2020, Mangobean founder Shane Saunders claimed the national chain had been “sold a promise” - blaming delays on the unfinished Feethams House complex and saying it failed to achieve the footfall required.

The former Mangobean venue in Darlington

In response at the time, Ian Williams, Darlington Borough Council’s former Director of Economic Growth said the timing of a nearby development “should not affect whether a business stands or falls”.

Although separately owned by Excel Parking, the car park underneath the DL1 development, Feethams Leisure, has also come under fire for dishing out hefty fines in recent months. 

The car park was previously branded a “consistent problem” - with allegations made about a time limit forcing customers to pay up within five minutes of entering. 

And as the DL1 development tries to look to the future - including “breathing new life” into its podium space with a string of events - it remains hindered by concerns over its long-term future in the town. 

‘Grown-up conversation’ needed - Lola McEvoy

New Darlington MP Lola McEvoy spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo this week about DL1, saying that a “grown-up conversation” was required to discuss where things need to change at the development. 

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy at DL1 (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Responding to Tomahawk’s closure, she said: “I’m in the market for more businesses - not more closures. It is sad to see Tomahawk has decided that it is not a viable situation for them. 

“We do need to sort the car parking so more people can get access to DL1. There are others in town, but people are raising concerns. 

“Darlington is a great place, and I do hope to see them open in another building.”

She continued: "We want people to use DL1 - like the Vue, it’s fantastic. I’m not adverse to a cheeky Nandos now and again too!”

Mr Eggleston also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour at its former restaurant, saying security “became non-existent” and that property was even “smashed up” in some instances. 

Ms McEvoy noted how Labour is hoping to “strengthen the powers of the police” across the country, as well as crackdown on repeat offenders. 

She continued: “We want to make sure Darlington is family-friendly. I went into the VUE recently and it was heaving - the town centre is also heaving with the events that are going on. 

“I also want to make sure that, where things need to change, we just need to have a grown-up conversation about it.”

‘Huge potential’

The Feethams Programme, as it was known, was first launched back in 2008 in a bid to regenerate the area to the south of the market square. 

It was 2015 when the steel frames were first erected for the huge building, and shortly after, on June 25, 2016, it formally opened to the public. 

While there have been notable closures, the site has also hosted a string of popular events, including during the World Cup back in 2018. 

However, this too caused some uproar, after smashed glass, litter and damaged furniture were left behind after the game.

Few events have been held since this - but DL1 recently said it wanted to “breathe new life” into the space, which features a retractable roof, a bar, and chairs and tables.

A “fantastic” family event was recently hosted at the site, featuring a football shootout and axe-throwing activities. 

A full line-up is set to be announced soon - with a DJ event pencilled in for next month.

Ms McEvoy added: “It has got huge potential. It would be good to see more people up there.” 

Recommended reading:

• Fire crews tackle hay bale blaze on Darlington field
• 282 homes to be built between Peterlee and Horden in County Durham
• Liam James Rowbotham died at house in Stapleton, Darlington

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for just £1.50 a week. Click here.

Former Darlington MP Peter Gibson added: “I’ve always been the first to champion the amazing businesses in our town and the closure of any is always disappointing. 

“I do hope we can welcome Tomahawk back to Darlington in the future and in the meantime I would encourage anyone wanting to park to use the Feethams multi-storey.”

A council spokesperson said: “The loss of any business is a shame, and Tomahawk is no different. DL1 remains an important part of the vibrant leisure offer in Darlington town centre.”

The Northern Echo has contacted DL1 owners for comment but has not yet received a response.