PROPOSALS are being been made to convert part of the former Darlington Arts Centre into retirement accommodation.

The development, proposed by McCarthy & Stone, comprises 35 one and two bedroom apartments set in a contemporary building, together with up to 25 on-site parking spaces and landscaped gardens.

Residents will get the chance to have their say on the plans at a public exhibition on February 10, between 3pm and 7pm at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall.

Steve Secker, regional managing director for McCarthy & Stone (Northern region), said;

“We have already spent time carefully researching the local architecture to ensure that our proposed retirement living accommodation is acceptable and sympathetic to its surroundings, but now we want to hear the views of the local community.

“Members of our project team will be on hand at the public exhibition to answer questions and listen to feedback.

“The proposals are at a very early stage and where possible we will amend our plans to reflect people’s comments.”

Darlington Arts Centre closed in July 2012 and an £11m plan to turn it into a boutique hotel and restaurant with a subsidised community arts facility collapsed in 2013 due to lack of funding.

A freephone information line and a website have been set up by McCarthy & Stone to provide details on the new proposals.

Contact 0800 298 7040 or visit www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/darlington.