Key figures say a 60,000 square-foot Darlington leisure complex that has been recently improved is 'encouraging' and 'great news' and has been welcomed with open arms.

The development, based in Faverdale Industrial Estate is set to include a wide range of amenities such as football and cricket training areas, golf simulators, a gym, a canteen, and even a dedicated padel tennis court, is designed to alleviate this pressure.

The new complex aims to address the growing demand for accessible training spaces and amenities in Darlington.

(Image: Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd)

Francis Ward, director of Ward and Sons and the driving force behind the project highlighted the importance of this development for the town.

As someone deeply involved in grassroots sports, Ward emphasised the challenges of finding suitable venues for local teams and coaches. 

He said: “As a coach for Hurworth Albion football club, I found it to be a real task to find somewhere to train in the winter indoors or outdoors. Same as all the other coaches in grassroots football.

"As females are coming into football as fast as males, most clubs are struggling to accommodate for this growth. I also think any facilities can than keep kids off the streets in my opinion is a plus.”

Ward added: "I have spent years being involved in grassroots sports including boxing and football and I have always found it difficult to find a venue. Even now, we are still travelling to Middlesbrough and other areas to take part in a 6-a-side game as there is no availability in Darlington.

"Darlington is a thriving town, with hundreds of new housing developments under construction and new infrastructure to go with it. It’s a fantastic town, one of the main reasons I only develop in Darlington, and have done for over 10 years, is to make it better.”

Scott Durham, Conservative councillor for Faverdale Ward, welcomed the development, noting the positive impact it could have on residents in his area. 

(Image: Ward and Sons Holdings Ltd)

He said: “It’s encouraging to see this facility approved, bringing something different to the area and creating more jobs for residents, I’ve canvassed residents on numerous occasions, and it’s clear that the vast majority want more amenities closer to home.”

The new development, situated in a rapidly expanding area of Darlington, reflects the council’s focus on creating community-focused infrastructure. 

While the development is widely celebrated, it is one that could squander potential plans for Darlington Football Club. The club have previously expressed interest in Faverdale and Skerningham as potential sites for relocation.

However, with the Skerningham site having been sold and a Faverdale move now looking unlikely, the club have remained coy on their future.

A spokesperson for Darlington FC said: “We are continuing to look at other options.”

For grassroots sports, however, the complex is being hailed as a game-changer. Ward hopes the facility will be a hub for multiple sports, encouraging youth participation and offering something for everyone in the community. 

Ian Fraser, Revolution FC chairman, said: "With regards to the Faverdale sports facilities that has been approved it is great news for all people in the Darlington area as I know from experience running revolution junior football club it is very hard to obtain regular facilities to train and play matches especially over winter periods.

"I have known Francis all my life and he will ensure grassroots facilities are always a priority of the Darlington area for all types of sporting events.

"I would like to congratulate him on this achievement which will only benefit everyone in our area giving them a safe place to learn new skills and meet new friends whilst carrying out there hobbies and interests.

"He’s been a huge supporter of our club and sponsored us over the years which does really help our club as a whole and this will certainly benefit us as a club.”

Labour Councillor David Beckett: “I welcome the approval of this development, which will complement the Dolphin Centre and Eastbourne Sports Complex to make it much easier for children and adults in Darlington – especially in the Brinkburn and Faverdale ward – to access high-quality sports facilities.

"With this development, the provision of facilities for football, cricket, and tennis, plus a gym, makes it appealing for a wide range of people.

"I hope this helps people of all ages in the nearby community, town, and surrounding areas to become more active and add to Darlington’s rich sports heritage.”

As construction plans progress, the leisure complex hopes to redefine sports and recreational opportunities in Darlington.