(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
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Search the Public Notice Portal Darlington town centre should be put "at the heart of our community" by 2030 under a new council strategy aimed at changing how the centre is used.
The draft Town Centre Strategy 2026-30 sets out how Darlington Borough Council wants to adapt to changing shopping habits and make it less reliant on its traditional role as a place to shop.
Under new plans being developed by council officers, the local authority wants to create more town centre homes and workspaces, improve leisure and cultural attractions, expand learning opportunities and support businesses and investors.
Its proposed vision also includes an ambition to create a more "diverse and modern role" for the town centre.
The proposals form part of a consultation which runs until September 11, with residents, businesses and other organisations being asked for their views before a final strategy is presented to the council's cabinet members.
Council officials say town centres across the UK have changed significantly, particularly because of the shift towards online shopping and changes in eating out and socialising since the Covid pandemic.
Rather than focusing solely on retail, the strategy is structured around five themes: live here, work here, play here, learn here and invest here.
The council says its plans include repurposing parts of the centre to provide new homes, workspace and retail units, while creating cleaner, safer and more attractive public spaces. It also proposes transforming Skinnergate, expanding the national retail offer and continuing to develop the Dolphin Centre, events programme, Hopetown and Hippodrome.
The strategy also places greater emphasis on education and employment, including a town centre learning presence for Darlington College and Learning and Skills centre in the former Northern Echo building on Priestgate.
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A new STEM centre is also planned to support skills development and workforce growth.
The council says the strategy will be supported by detailed action plans, with progress monitored throughout its four-year lifespan.
It is also proposing refreshed links with town centre businesses and stakeholders, efforts to secure external funding and a more proactive approach to promoting the town centre and its opportunities.