BUILDING work on Blackwell Meadows will commence two weeks today say Darlington, with their first game at the venue scheduled for “later in the year”.

Quakers have this morning announced that they have exchanged contracts with Darlington-based J & RM Richardson Construction Limited to undertake the redevelopment at Blackwell Meadows, beginning on Monday, August 8.

The building work will see the building of the 1,100-capacity Tin Shed along with over 250 new seats, new terraces and turnstiles, while a security fence around the ground will be constructed.

The development of new changing rooms are being undertaken by Darlington Rugby Club, with whom Quakers are to groundshare with once the venue is ready to host National League North fixtures.

In the meantime, Darlington will continue to play at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park, where they have been based since 2012.

Richard Cook, Darlington director, said: “I am delighted that we have reached this major milestone in returning the football club back to Darlington. Being able to work with a local Darlington based company with an excellent reputation on quality and delivery provides the club with confidence in making this substantial investment.

"We are also grateful for the help and assistance given to us by Darlington Rugby Club and Darlington Borough Council as well as other stakeholders.”

John Richardson, managing director of J and RM Richardson, added: “My company is proud to have been chosen as the main contractor for the football club’s redevelopment works. We are looking forward to starting the project and delivering this prestigious development.”

Meanwhile, Darlington have appealed to local businesses to support the club.

A statement read: “As the momentum of the football club’s move back to Darlington gathers pace the club is keen to foster further relationships with local businesses to support the club on a Commercial front.

“We can offer several different packages tailored to your requirements. Any interested businesses can contact directors Richard Cook at richard.cook@darlingtonfc.org or John Tempest at john.tempest@darlingtonfc.org.”