WORK has started on significant improvements to Darlington’s Indoor Market starting with the roof, which is set to attract a wide-demographic and nurture family-based evening shopping.

The first phase of the development features a re-development and re-purposing of approximately one third of the shop floor to provide a street food scene, bar and events stage an enhanced entrance to West Row and additional public toilets.

The second phase will involve a face-lift to the remaining shop floor of the market providing a more exciting place to shop as well as a mezzanine level business centre and new public toilets and retail units to the West Row elevation.

The last phase will include the construction of a new temperate garden to the East Row elevation.

The Northern Echo: Work starts on the roof of Darlington’s Indoor MarketWork starts on the roof of Darlington’s Indoor Market

Raymond Linch, MAM's managing director, said: "we are immensely proud and excited to be redeveloping Darlington Market. We strongly believe our initiatives will generate high levels of new footfall to supplement existing shoppers and add several new dimensions to how our town-centres are re-vitalised.

"Although phase 1 pre-letting has yet to formally start, we have already received a number of strong and interesting applications for space."

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “We’re pleased to see the plans for the refurbishment of the Indoor Market progress to the next stage and we’ll be working closely with MAM to ensure the project is a success.

“The Indoor Market is a jewel in Darlington’s crown and the planned investment will make it a real hub for our community for years to come. The market, including the outdoor market, is at the heart of our long term plans to revitalise the town centre and ensure there is something for everyone in both the day and night time economy.”

Work is due to commence on site at the start of January 2021 and last until May 2022 at a capital investment made by Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd of circa £1.8M.