URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2007

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to seek approval to progress the proposed Grade A office development on the East Street site of the town centre to full planning approval and to agree delegated approval to enter an agreement for lease and a lease of site D of the Science Park for the STEM Centre and to progress the STEM Centre design to full planning approval.   The report explained that back in March 2026 Cabinet agreed to enter into a development agreement with Cityheart development consortium to enable accelerated delivery of the 4 key town centre sites and the delivery of the STEM Centre on Site D of the Science Park. The consortium incorporates development, construction, architectural, planning, quantity surveyor and project management expertise to deliver accelerated, market facing, development on key development sites.   The report outlined how the partnership is designed to enable the Council to deliver its economic growth-related priorities, and the development agreement provides the opportunity to include additional sites by mutual agreement.   The report stated out the initial development focus for the town centre sites has been on East Street and the delivery of a Grade A office space in recognition of the market interest generated by the government’s investment in the Brunswick Street extension to the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC). Delivery of the project is dependent upon securing the necessary funding which is expected to be a mix between private and public funds underpinned by pre letting arrangement where possible.   Also included in the report was how both activities had prevented the completion of the full business case which impacts on the release of the Government funding. It was explained that to ensure the delivery of the facility remains on programme some interim funding from the Economic Growth Investment Fund (EGIF) will be required to seek to achieve planning approval. Once the full business case is approved and funding confirmed from the Government the fund will be replenished.   RESOLVED - It is recommended that: -   (a)    Cabinet approves an allocation of £410K from a combination of the town centre reserve fund (£200k) and the Economic Growth Investment Fund (£210k) to enable Cityheart to commission the necessary professional services and fund planning fees to achieve full planning approval for the proposed Grade A office development on the East Street site of the town centre. (b)   Cabinet agree delegated approval to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources to enter into an agreement for lease and lease of Site D of the Science Park to Darlington College to progress the delivery of the STEM Centre in line with government expectations. Approval will be subject to government approval of the full business case. Site D shown on the plan at Appendix 1. (c)    Cabinet approves a capital allocation of £400k from the Economic Growth Investment Fund to commission the necessary professional services and fund planning fees to achieve full planning approval for the STEM Centre.   REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: -   (a)    To demonstrate deliverability to TVCA and other institutional funders it is necessary to secure planning permission. This is also a crucial factor in demonstrating credibility in the marketplace to allow meaningful discussions to take place with prospective private sector occupiers who are seeking to cluster around the Darlington Economic Campus. (b)    To enable the development to be delivered in close alignment with the completion of the Darlington Economic Campus extension on Brunswick Street. (c)    To enable the STEM Centre to be progressed on programme.  

Date of Decision: June 9, 2026