Council says future of Darlington town centre is 'encouraging'

Members of the Labour and Liberal Democrat administration in charge of the local authority were told that their management of the town centre was “deteriorating” and asked why council tax bills were increasing.

It comes after House of Fraser, located inside the historic Binns store, announced plans to close its Darlington store in April. 

Speaking at Thursday’s full council meeting, Dr Chris Pickering, a member of the public, said: “How does the council justify asking residents to pay more at a time when visible town centre management appears to be deteriorating, as shown by the closure of the Binns department store, ongoing concerns about empty units and footfall, and the effective transformation of the traditional market into what many residents and traders now describe as a food court rather than a functioning local market.”

A fresh push to bring back free parking in Darlington town centre has recently been launched, with campaigners claiming charges are driving shoppers away and harming local trade.

Darlington Conservatives have re-launched the petition following an emergency trader meeting held by the town's former MP Peter Gibson last week, where business owners warned that pay-and-display fees are “discouraging people from coming into town”.

But Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, insisted the future of the town is encouraging. 

He said: “Darlington town centre continues to offer a vibrant mix of more than 50 well-known high street brands alongside a strong and growing community of independent restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. 

“We are seeing encouraging levels of new business openings, reflecting continued confidence in the town centre. 

“Our year-round programme of events and activities — promoted through Enjoy Darlington — helps to animate the town, attracting thousands of visitors and creating welcoming spaces for people to dwell, explore and enjoy everything Darlington has to offer.”

Despite disappointment around the closure of Binns, Cllr McEwan insisted it was a commercial decision taken by House of Fraser as part of the wider national strategy of Frasers Group, which owns the retailer.

He added: “It was not a consequence of footfall or financial performance in Darlington. Like many towns across the UK, shopping habits have evolved significantly since the Covid pandemic, and our town centre continues to adapt to these changing patterns.  

“We continue to work with the building owner and also House of Fraser.”

The ongoing development of town centre schemes including the new Government building at Brunswick Street, repurposing the former Northern Echo building, and the redevelopment of Darlington Library, were all praised by council leaders. 

A development partner has been appointed to progress the regeneration of four key town centre sites for commercial use and town centre living by repurposing old buildings. 

“All of this is about supporting the Darlington economy,” Cllr McEwan added.