A GROUP of North-East businessmen are to turn an historic town centre building into flats.

The 18th century Horsemarket building in Darlington, presently a Pizza Hut, was once famous as the home of Lear’s ironmongers, a 200-year-old business.

But the building has now been returned to North-East ownership from London and will be transformed into 11 apartments by Teesside development company RDBM Developments.

The announcement comes months after it was revealed a plan that outlines how many houses will be built in and around Darlington over the coming decades will encourage people to live in the town centre due to a "much reduced" retail presence.

 

The building also served as the backdrop to King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to the town in 1913 and stands just a few doors away from ‘father of the railways’ Edward Pease’s birthplace.

The building has been used predominantly for office space over recent decades.

RDBM director, Dave Roberts says, “We love local history and to be able to bring this wonderful 250-year-old building back into local ownership is fantastic.

“Looking out of the windows it has wonderful views down High Row right in the heart of the town and it’s so important it’s future falls back into the hands of people who understand what it means to the town.”

Fellow director, Martin Maggiore adds, “We have some fantastic plans to update the building to ensure it stands for another 250 years as well as bringing Darlington top quality city centre living right at the heart of the town."

The redevelopment work is expected to take eight months with the first apartments being available in June 2019.

JOBS WARNING: Councillor Chris McEwanJOBS WARNING: Councillor Chris McEwan

Cllr Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “I’ve said previously that the best way for the town centre to thrive is to recognise the need for more mixed use opportunities, which includes residential use.

“We welcome innovative thinking that will transform underused space into something that will help the town centre by adding to the number of people that use its facilities regularly.

“We shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that, historically, people did live within the town centre and, as the importance of transport links grows, I think we’ll begin to see a return."