A move by Darlington Council to buy the town’s Binns store was all but ruled out by its chief exec last night as the building’s future remains uncertain.

The Echo first told of concerns about the future of the building on High Row, which housed Binns and lately House of Fraser, back in July.

The department chain, which has been a staple in the town since August 1922, announced on Thursday (September 19) it would close at the end of November, due to the landlord terminating the lease.

The store will close at the end of November.The store will close at the end of November. (Image: PAUL NORRIS)

It comes after the building was put up for sale for £1m in July by its owners, understood to be Arab investors.

Darlington Council chief executive Ian Williams all but ruled out the council putting in a bid to buy the building when asked by the Echo if the local authority may consider a bid.

The council previously used Government ‘towns fund’ money to buy buildings including The Northern Echo’s former Priestgate headquarters, which is currently under refurbishment with plans to create an adult skills hub and offices.

The Northern Echo's former Priestgate HQ was purchased by Darlington Council.The Northern Echo's former Priestgate HQ was purchased by Darlington Council. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Mr Williams said: “The towns fund is nearing completion and projects approved by the last government are progressing. In the towns fund there’s not a lot of money left in that for us.

“We haven’t got the luxury of using that to buy the buildings.

Darlington Council chief executive Ian Williams (left),Darlington Council chief executive Ian Williams (left).

“As to whether there’s any future government money, who knows.

“You would have to do your own due diligence. There’s no point acquiring a building if you then have no funds to do justice to that building.”

It comes after the council boss, who recently announced his retirement, said he was aware of interest in the building from potential buyers.

“I understand there has been interest but that hasn’t crystalised into anything formal yet,” he said.

He added that the council would work with whoever purchases the building.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for one month for just £1, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

A spokesperson for House of Fraser’s Mike Ashley-owned parent company Frasers said on Thursday: “It is with regret that we announce House of Fraser Darlington will be closing in December 2024, due to the landlord's decision to terminate the lease as they require the unit back before Christmas.”

It has since been confirmed the closure will happen at the end of November.

They continued: “Where possible, we are committed to finding new roles within the Group for staff.”