AMBITIOUS plans to create £20m community sports hub in Darlington are developing, according to entrepreneur Richard Upshall.

A stakeholder working group has been established in a bid to further develop proposals to create 700 jobs and a 5,000 seater stadium at a purpose built sports hub around Blackwell Meadows.

Dubai-based Richard Upshall, the entrepreneur behind the project, said he had been inundated with public support after having initial plans unexpectedly vetoed by Darlington Borough Council (DBC) after months of negotiation.

As previously reported, the authority claimed the plans – which would provide an opportunity for Darlington Football Club to return to the town – presented difficulties with planning permission, scale and impact on the local area.

Council leader Bill Dixon also said the “too good to be true” plans were rejected because the authority did not have the time or resources to help developers make them viable.

However, Mr Upshall and his team at RU Active Sports insist the proposals are sustainable and remains committed to the project.

They are now encouraging anyone with a stake in developing the hub to join their working group.

Mr Upshall said he had received considerable support for the plans from local people since revealing DBC’s rejection.

“We are not property developers but believe we can create a significant community sports provision that would be privately financed, secure the future of Darlington Rugby Club and open the door for a potential homecoming for the Quakers.

“While we are disappointed at the council’s stance, we are not deterred and the level of support we have received from the community shows there is a real appetite for this scheme.

“We are now establishing a stakeholder group with interested parties from the local rugby, football and business communities and would encourage others who can add value to our ideas to get involved.

“By establishing a stakeholder group we can evolve the proposals further and highlight to the council how we can deliver investment into the town, create significant and sustainable employment and create a facility on a site, which the council itself earmarked for a sports hub in its local plan.”

Mr Upshall said the formation of the group would be followed by an approach to the council and town’s MP Jenny Chapman with refined proposals.

For more information or to join the stakeholder group, email darlington@ru-active.com.