With Darlington on the final shortlist for the Government’s new Northern campus, council leader Cllr Heather Scott explains why bringing the Treasury to the town would be the jewel in the crown of their work over the last two years

WHEN the Conservatives gained control of the council in 2019, we made a commitment to make Darlington the best place in the Tees Valley to live work and play. That commitment depended on working with Government and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to bring a range of good quality employment opportunities to our borough.

We have so far been successful in obtaining funding from the Towns Fund for the regeneration of our unique historical assets and, the purchase of buildings with the intent to encourage more people to live in the town centre and importantly the upgrading of our unique yards to support small businesses and allow them to flourish.

The Northern Echo: Darlington Borough Council leader Cllr Heather Scott Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The restoration of the Indoor Market is crucial to the future of the survival of our town centre which faces the same problems as many others. Practically we are prioritising access to the area and making it more attractive so residents and visitors will come and spend time enjoying themselves and supporting our cafes, restaurants and shops.

The upgrade of Darlington station is another major milestone in the future of our town, we are improving the access by rail and creating a more attractive arrival for

commuters and, linked to 2025 celebrations this puts Darlington well and truly on the map for tourism potential.

We have been able to attract more business in the last two years and with the fantastic development ongoing at Teesside International Airport on our doorstep,and proximity to the A1 motorway accessibility for all types of transport is excellent.

Our further ambition is to increase the opportunity for economic development and the prospect of the relocation of the Treasury to Darlington is the jewel in the crown, proving just how far we have advanced in our strategy to bring success for Darlington.

We will do everything we can to provide the space and requirements that the Treasury department would need to move here and to meet timescales for that to happen.

Darlington is well placed both strategically and practically to fulfil the ambition of the Government to level up the North. Our town has shown under our leadership that it has the gumption and ’can do’ attitude to bring success to our Borough and residents.

Central Government support for our area which had been neglected under the dominance of the Labour Party for so long would be an excellent step forward in their Levelling Up agenda.

We urge the Chancellor to support our bid and we stand ready to welcome the opportunity with enthusiasm and excitement.