Teesside University’s expansion into Darlington approved

Teesside University’s expansion into Darlington was given unanimous approval by councillors yesterday afternoon.

The five-storey campus building, which will house 1,000 students, is expected to be opened in September 2011.

Approval for the building, part of Darlington’s Central Park development, came less than a week after Teesside University was named the best in the country in the Times Higher Education magazine awards.

The satellite campus, alongside Darlington College, will provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching facilities, boardrooms, kitchens, cafe bar, administration facilities and a learning lounge.

Sport England dropped its reservations about the development after agreement was reached on the future of college playing fields.

The building will be on the site of the college’s football pitches, which will be moved to Blackwell Meadows, near Darlington Rugby Club, subject to further contracts.

A number of other organisations backed the scheme, including Tees Valley Regeneration and development agency One North East, which praised the university because it would play a central role in the economy and employment of the town.

The only other concern raised by the planning committee was the number of parking places, set at 85, but architects and officers said it was the maximum suggested by national guidelines.

Planning officer Roy Merrett said: “It is a prominent, contemporary building and something that sends out the right message to visitors to the town and people passing through.”

Chris Robinson, from the university, said talks were ongoing to appoint a contractor so work could start in the spring.

He said: “It is great news for the town and for the university.

It raises the profile of the town and enhances the town.”

Council leader John Williams said: “Today’s decision is a welcome step forward in our work with Teesside University to bring new education and training opportunities to Darlington.

“The opportunity for a university education means local people can now access the very best in education, training and employment opportunities right here on their doorstep.”

Outgoing college principal Sarah Robinson said: “The new university centre will really change the educational landscape of the town and that is what is important for the people of Darlington; that our future students can access the very best education and training.”

Darlington MP Alan Milburn, who has been instrumental in bringing the university to the town, said: “This marks a fantastic chapter in Darlington’s history as it becomes a university town that will benefit generations of families.”