PLANS to open a new bowling alley in Darlington have now been scrapped.

Earlier this year, plans for the former TK Maxx site were unveiled and included space for a bowling alley, three retail units and collection of a shipping containers overlooking the River Skerne.

But Newcastle-based Lane7, which initially expressed interest in opening a bowling alley in the town, has now confirmed to The Northern Echo they now have “no plans” to set up a base in Darlington.

Bosses at Sports Direct confirmed this week they are moving into the TK Maxx site.

Last month, Lane7 has announced it will open a five-lane late night drinks venue by the end of the year and create around 25 full-time and part-time roles.

The company, which began its tenpin bowling venture in Newcastle, will now operate on Teesside in a new site occupying the base of Middlesbrough’s tallest building, Centre North East, off Albert Road.

The Middlesbrough site will be Lane7’s third venue after first launching in Newcastle in 2013 and attracting celebrity visitors, including the cast of Geordie Shore.

The company, which also owns The Fox Hole country pub and restaurant in Piercebridge, near Darlington, has also announced it expects to open a tenpin bowling venture in Durham in 2018.

Plans for the shipping containers are still going ahead, Darlington Council confirmed.