Darlington as a town is always changing, with restaurants, shops, bars, and pubs constantly popping up - but it also works the other way and some places close from time to time.
We have pieced together five business premises that still don't have owners after they closed - leaving a gap in the centre of Darlington.
Empty business units in Darlington looking for new owners:
Former Pizza Hut building
Horsemarket, Darlington
Since then, several suggestions about its use have been made - but the building remains up for rent with Carver Commercial in Darlington.
The listing reads: "Ground Floor Restaurant Premises situated in the Imperial Quarter in the 'West End' of Darlington town centre amongst occupiers including House of Fraser, Caffe Nero, Goldsmiths and others."
Per Annum:£22,000
Ex-Skinnergate News building
Skinnergate, Darlington
After closing its doors in June, the building that housed Skinnergate News removed the signage from the business and glossed over the windows, to prepare it to be sold.
On the listing, the advert for the business reads: "Grade II Listed three storey retail premises with car parking – 1,519sq.ft."
Offers In The Region Of: £135,000
Former Akbar The Great building
Bondgate, Darlington
Including a flat within the listing of the former restaurant, the sale seems to suggest that it would need to remain a restaurant, unless planning permission is sought, given its previous use.
The listing, which is with Darlington-based Carvers, reads: "Two-storey mid-terrace mixed-use premises comprising a ground floor restaurant and first-floor apartment.
"The restaurant is held over the ground floor and basement comprising an open plan and versatile sales area with kitchen, prep area and toilets.
"The main sales area is held over a split level with a glazed conservatory/ atrium at the rear.
"As for the apartment, the apartment can be accessed internally via the restaurant or externally via the side passage.
"The apartment is held over the first floor of the premises comprising three en-suite bedrooms, one bedroom (no ensuite), lounge, utility and bathroom.
"The property may suit a variety of re-development opportunities subject to obtaining any necessary statutory/ local authority/ planning consent."
Offers In The Region Of: £195,000
The former home of Inspired Chocolate
Grange Road, Darlington
Richard Warne said the redevelopment would severely disrupt businesses during construction between October 2024 and spring 2025.
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This has left the building that once housed Inspired Chocolate, empty.
The listing on Carvers reads: "Ground Floor Retail Premises that may suit a variety of business uses situated within the desirable Imperial Quarter of the West End of Darlington Town Centre."
Per Annum: £10,000
Former pub and bar The Lounge
In a post online, the venue explained to its regulars that it had taken the difficult decision to close its doors for good.
Since then, the business or building hasn't reopened and it still sits empty.
Listed on Carvers of Darlington, the description reads: "Town centre bar premises in the heart of Darlington town centre. Net internal area 1,941sq.ft."
Per Annum: £13,950
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