Developers are seeking listed building consent to allow for a conversion of a retail unit into a restaurant and bar in basement vaults in Darlington's Market Hall.

Other works include reconfiguration and alterations to toilets, retail units and part of market hall including external alteration works to entrances and painting of existing canopy structure and shopfronts.

Darlington Market Hall is a grade II listed building constructed in 1863 as a gift from prominent local Quaker family, the Pease, to designs by Alfred Waterhouse.

Darlington’s iconic Clock Tower and the Old Town Hall are attached to the market, forming a complex of mid to late Victorian buildings of notable architectural and historical interest.

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The site is a landmark feature within the town centre conservation area and the setting of several listed buildings arranged around the historic marketplace and High Row.

The development proposes further renovation and remodelling of Darlington Covered Market.

ELG Planning has prepared the application for Darlington Borough Council. It states: "The renovation will encourage interest in the market by promoting its historic role as a venue for independent business and improved retail space for use by local businesses."

The current listed building application is a revised proposal from that sought in 2019.

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The current proposals look to rework elements of these later shopfronts, through internal alterations and painting of the existing stained timber frontages.

"The intention is to encourage new use within these currently vacant spaces, increased usership and visitors to the Market Hall with associated spend for the businesses therein.

"The works proposed through the current application are minor alterations to the interior of the building, with the installation of new doors to the West Row elevation and building on previous works.

"A piano bar will be created within the basement vaults along with new and improved public toilet provision."

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