Willmott Dixon joins Darlington town centre regeneration team

Willmott Dixon has been named as construction partner in a long-term town centre regeneration initiative led by developer Cityheart in Darlington.

The contractor is part of a consortium appointed by Darlington Borough Council to bring forward a development strategy for three council-owned sites at East Street, Commercial Street and Kendrew Street.

The team also includes Space Architects and consultancy Identity Consult. Together, they will draw up proposals for a phased regeneration programme to be presented to the council early next year.

The East Street site is located beside the Treasury’s new northern headquarters, part of the Darlington Economic Campus, which was launched in 2021. The council said the project would seek to maximise the benefits of this government relocation.

The appointment was made following a competitive procurement process.

Willmott Dixon did not disclose the value of its contract, which is to be finalised once development options are agreed.

But according to Darlington Borough Council’s investment plan, the overall regeneration plan involves £40.5m of funding.

Darlington Borough Council cabinet member for economy Chris McEwan said the partnership would focus on areas “ripe for development and improvement”.

Cityheart development director James Litherland said the firm had assembled a “North East team” capable of delivering long-term change.

Architects for the three-site scheme have been named as Space Architects.

Willmott Dixon  previously delivered various public-sector projects in Darlington, including the refurbishment of the Hippodrome Theatre (pictured). It is currently building a multi-storey car park as part of a wider overhaul of Darlington station.

The contractor has also delivered a £34m regeneration of three railway heritage buildings in the town.

Source: Willmott Dixon announcement /Darlington Borough Council investment plan