Plans for football, cricket, tennis, and padel courts in a huge new 60,000 square-foot multi-sports leisure complex in Darlington have been approved. 

The latest proposal for the site, within the town's Faverdale Industrial Estate, forms part of the wider Wards Court scheme.  The site is surrounded by Lidl, Home Bargains and Starbucks Drive Thru units which opened in recent years. 

Applicant Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd applied to build six new units to form the indoor sports facility - and was praised for the positive impact the facility will have on the local community. 

(Image: Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd) Ward and Sons Holdings LtdWard and Sons Holdings Ltd (Image: Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd)

The first and second floors of the northernmost unit will consist of indoor sports space, including indoor football.  It will provide two pitches within the unit aimed to cater for grassroots football and local football teams. 

Responding to the planning approval, Francis Ward said: “Amazing news after a lot of hard work and planning finally granted full planning permission on the 60,000 square-foot leisure centre including padel, tennis, 4G football pitch, 4G training pitches, indoor cricket nets, pool tables, gym, bar - roll on 2025.” 

Praising the scheme, Kelvin Russell of Hurworth Albion Football Club, said: “The commitment to incorporating an indoor sports facility in the development proposal is truly commendable, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for the community's well-being. 

“As the chairperson of a local junior football club, your recognition of the vital need for such amenities, particularly during the challenging winter months, underscores the positive impact this facility will have on the local sports culture and the overall community spirit.”

Recommended reading: 

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

(Image: Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd)

However, one objector warned the “neighbourhood is being overdeveloped with all manner of outlets that are having a detrimental effect in terms of noise, litter, anti-social behaviour which is spoiling what was once a tranquil area to live.”

Construction work on the site is expected to start in due course. 

Also in the Faverdale site, a McDonalds drive-through will be built alongside Taco Bell and Costa Coffee. Plans for the site were approved in 2023 and also include a new tanning salon, vets, and a ‘bulky goods’ store similar to Wickes.