Darlington Northgate housing scheme to create new 'gateway'

An outline application for a mixed-use development including up to 205 homes has been submitted for the site near Gladstone Street. A mix of townhouses and apartments is proposed alongside assisted care and specialist living accommodation.

Several buildings on the site are set to be demolished to make way for the new development. Nearby facilities include the Northgate House tower block, two surface-level car parks, hot food takeaways and restaurants as well as small units on Kendrew Street – including a former restaurant, and health and fitness studio.

Northgate House has been subject to several proposals in the last five years, but none have been developed. Planning applications have also been submitted to the west of the site – most recently applications for the conversion of Dr Piper House to the west, into apartments, which borders Kendrew Street West.

Several buildings on the site are set to be demolished to make way for the new development. (Image: The Northern Echo) Northgate House has been subject to several proposals in the last five years, but none have been developed. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Darlington Borough Council remains in talks with the owners of the tower block in the hope of acquiring the site. 

“Given the nature of the proposals and scale of the site, it may incorporate other suitable uses,” a planning report stated. “These uses are likely to be more ancillary in scale and have been proposed to remain as flexible as possible and ensure the site is fully occupied by a variety of uses that can contribute towards creating a key gateway and link to the town centre, generating activity and footfall throughout the day.”

No listed buildings are present on the application site, however, two buildings close to the northern boundary of the site could be considered ‘Non-Designated Heritage Assets’ - the Darlington Bottling Company LD building and the Temperance Institute, located on Gladstone Street. 

The redevelopment of the site was first revealed by the council several years ago, as part of the council’s wider ambitions for Darlington Town Centre. It is thought the regeneration will provide a stronger gateway to the town and link with nearby heritage assets such as Edward Pease House. 

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The area due to be developed (Image: The Northern Echo)

The Darlington Bottling Company LD building is located on Gladstone Street. (Image: The Northern Echo) The Temperance Institute building is also on Gladstone Street (Image: The Northern Echo)

A wider masterplan for the Northgate area has also been created to improve and celebrate its historic sites such as Edward Pease House and 156 Northgate. 

The planning report read: “The scheme at Gladstone Street is intended to form part of the wider masterplan and develop a new gateway to Northgate, linking Darlington town centre and the surrounding area. 

“The council’s vision for the proposals is to secure the redevelopment of this underutilised and disconnected part of the town, to encourage investment and visitors, improve pedestrian and cycle links, and better reveal the site’s unique heritage assets.”