(Image: STUART BOULTON / SARAH CALDECOTT)
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Darlington Market bosses have been accused of “throwing its retail offering in the skip” amid plans which could see it open until 2am, and host boxing nights and burlesque shows.
The town’s historic market has come under fire over proposals to serve booze until 2am everyday and extend where it can serve punters to the whole of the site.
It comes amid growing concerns over the future of the facility following the closure of several traditional retailers and a noticeable shift to a new street food and events space.
Bosses want to be able to sell street food and alcohol and play live music until 2am each day as well as host boxing matches, cinema clubs, and dance and burlesque shows.
Conservative leader Jonathan Dulston has argued the plans are “signing off the end of the market” by turning it into “one big bar”.
However, manager Michael Harvey said he wanted to be “unequivocally clear” that there were no plans for this - saying the bid provides “essential flexibility for traditional retail businesses”.
And Darlington Borough Council leader Steve Harker said any suggestion there is a plan to turn the entire building into a single late-night bar is “simply not true”.
Darlington indoor market. 8.7.2025. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
‘We need to listen to the public’
Former council leader Dulston said he felt the plans were turning the market away from “what was always promised”.
“It seems to be turning into one big nightclub seven days a week,” he argued.
“You don’t have to be Einstein to know there is very little retail space there."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“The Labour Party needs to get a balance. They need to sit down with [market owners] Market Asset Management (MAM) and say this is not what we approved," he added.
He accepted that people’s shopping habits had changed but said MAM and the council must listen to public concerns.
“That is a complete direction change for the market,” he argued. “Ultimately, there was a clear vision set by MAM and approved by the Labour council in 2017.
“That was subsequently backed by taxpayers' money to the tune of £1 million. We seem to have changed that direction of travel.
“I don’t think MAM has a future-proof plan for the market.”
MAM has been in charge since 2017 when the then Labour-led council relinquished responsibility - but Cllr Dulston said his a Tory administration would now buy it back.
“It will be a manifesto commitment that we will bring back the market into the ownership of the council,” he said.
"We have got a clear legal framework to do that. We have to be really clear.
"The public is telling us that it is not working and we need to rethink what that space looks like in the future.
“We need to be creative and forward-thinking while being very mindful of its heritage."
'Best is yet to come'
The concerns follow comments from Mr Harvey earlier this year about how traders had struggled to attract customers and that the current state of the central hall was “dire”.
Mr Harvey said he welcomed “constructive dialogue” about the market’s future but said the application was to allow retailers to sell alcohol and be more flexible with later openings.
Michael Harvey, general manager of Darlington Market. (Image: Darlington Market Asset Management)
He used examples of a fishmonger being able to sell champagne alongside oysters or for a wine shop to host tasting events.
Mr Harvey said extending hours could build upon the “great success” of hosting World Cup matches during the summer, saying it will bring “footfall driving energy”.
"We remain steadfastly committed to curating a diverse and exciting offering that serves all ages, backgrounds, and tastes, while honouring the site's heritage,” he said.
“In fact, two-thirds of the market space remains available and designated for retail.
“We are actively building this diverse retail mix: we have recently onboarded a bakery and a butcher in the outer units, and a new bookshop, greengrocer, and pie shop are all scheduled to open before Christmas.
“While filling retail stalls remains a challenge across the broader high street, the recent enthusiasm from prospective business owners is highly encouraging.”
Mr Harvey said MAM is committed to traditional market values and continues to work collaboratively with the council and other stakeholders.
He said: “Together, we explore innovative ideas and share collective knowledge of our town to navigate the well-documented challenges facing high streets nationwide.
“This is a partnership focused on delivering the balanced fusion of traditional retail and leisure that the market needs to thrive.
“A growing number of people are already experiencing and enjoying what the market has to offer, both during and outside of traditional trading times.
“The best is yet to come, and we encourage everyone to come and see, and maybe even contribute to, the vibrant, evolving space for themselves."
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Cllr Steve Harker added that the council remains committed to supporting the operator.
“The market is so important to the fabric of the town centre, and our intention is that it should continue to operate as a mixed-use destination, combining licensed premises with space for traditional market traders,” he said.
"The introduction of food, drink and leisure offers has helped bring more people into the town centre. These businesses are intended to complement, not replace, the market’s traditional trading offer.
"Any suggestion that there is a plan to convert the entire building into a single late-night bar is simply not true."