McDonald's and Greggs confirmed for Darlington Faverdale site

Building work started on the Faverdale site in 2023 after plans were approved, and pictures taken this month show the progress being made.

A McDonalds drive-thru sign was erected last month, with a spokesperson previously saying: "We can confirm the restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2026."

The confirmed businesses for the Faverdale site are:

Two buildings on the site have been completed (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

• McDonald's
• Greggs
• Costa Coffee
• Indigo Sun
• Harrison Vets
• Fastned

However, one fast-food chain which was initially touted for Faverdale will no longer be moving in, The Northern Echo understands.

The Californian-founded chain Taco Bell was named as a tenant at the Faverdale retail park as far back as July 2023, and was set to open a drive-thru restaurant.

But developers Metcalf Harland Property Investment said the fast food chain did not sign on a lease.

Pictures taken at the start of the month of the site show construction progressing.

It is not yet known when the retail site will open after an initial opening date of December 2025 was missed (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Building work started last March when heavy machinery moved in.

As well as the McDonald's drive-thru sign, two buildings have also been completed, but it is not known when the site will open.

An initial opening date of December 2025 was missed.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee initially deferred its decision in July 2023 over fears the development could lead to business closures and job losses elsewhere.

However, the plans were green-lit a month later.

The retail site will add to the likes of Lidl, Starbucks, and Home Bargains already at Faverdale.