Shoppers have given their verdict on Darlington’s DL1 complex after a restaurant closure prompted concerns over its long-term future.
Steakhouse chain Tomahawk this month announced it had closed its Darlington venue, with owner Howard Eggleston blaming “zero footfall” and a lack of support from owners.
It followed a string of other chains to pull out from the project in recent years, including Prezzo, The Chinese Buffet, and coffee shop Mangobean.
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy told The Northern Echo last week that a “grown-up conversation” was required with owners to discuss where things need to change.
The Echo headed into Darlington to speak with shoppers - and while some said that more variety and events would be beneficial, others noted how it was a “bit out of the way”.
Nicola Batty, 38, claimed DL1 “doesn’t get used” as much as it should, adding: "We don’t really come into town much.
“I’ve been twice [to DL1] but it was years ago, we went to one of the restaurants. But it wasn’t busy.”
Despite the offering of a cinema, several restaurants, and a hotel, Edith Batty, 73, argued it sadly wasn't enough to attract outside visitors.
“People are not going to travel to eat out and there is nothing really to attract people to Darlington sadly,” she said.
The Darlington resident, who is originally from Sunderland, also noted it being slightly out of the centre, adding: “I don’t walk well so it is no good for me. It’s badly sited.”
However, one 32-year-old argued that DL1’s location “wasn’t a problem” due to the nearby Feethams multi-storey car park.
‘I didn’t even know it was there’
Several shoppers argued the site could benefit from more advertisement to draw in more custom.
Laura Keith, 29, from Durham, said: “I think we notice it but if you are visiting the town centre there are no signs so people might not know - whereas we just know it's there.”
Theresa, 69, agreed that it was a “little out of the way” for people coming into town and said “more signs would be helpful”.
“There is nothing to say about what is down there.”
Rosh, 41, actually admitted that he “didn’t even know it was there” - and “still probably wouldn’t go” even though he is now aware.
Shoppers Katie Leadbitter and Ellie Gibson, both 22, told The Echo they thought the complex was “not really busy”.
Katie argued there should be “some new things” added to attract more crowds, saying: “I don’t go much really - we don’t really go out.
“I mainly go to the Vue. I think it needs an Italian restaurant and more variety.”
Ellie, originally from Newton Aycliffe, also raised concerns over advertising. She said: “People around here might not even realise that DL1 is even there.”
Cost of living concerns
Several visitors said that they thought the “zero footfall” concerns could be linked to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Newton Aycliffe resident Charlotte Brown said: “It’s not packed but it’s not quiet. It’s got a car park, got entertainment and food venues… I think it’s about people not having money.”
The 31-year-old, who visited Tomahawk one week before it closed, said she “always saw people in” but noted it was “never packed”.
Another anonymous resident agreed, saying it is "too expensive to leave the house".
Meanwhile, visitor Martin Neale, 63, said he was concerned over the closure of so many businesses in the town, fearing “the internet is to blame”.
The Bedale resident added: “More independent shops, that’s what I would like to see, they are a bit more my type. More events would also get my vote.”
One woman said it was “not surprising” to hear of the closures at DL1.
“I think that, in town, we have got too much of the same type of things,” the self-confessed shopaholic and Darlington resident explained.
“It is a bit out of it, and if people come into town, they are not going to just go to the cinema, they will come to the shops. I don’t know what they can do.”
Parking woes
Concerns were also raised over the separately owned car park underneath DL1, Feethams Leisure, which has been slammed for its five-minute policy and hefty fines in recent months.
Amy, 33, said: “With three children and then us it’s also just way too expensive. I wouldn’t go again because when I was there and parked in the car park, we got a fine.
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“The machine was out of order and therefore we had to pay online. By the time we sorted everything it was too late and then we were fined by them picking up our number plate even though we had paid! Just not in the five-minute timeline.”
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.
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