Residents are being given the chance to have their say on the next phase of development at Central Park in Darlington. A drop-in event will be held at the Keepmoat showhome, Central Park, on Tuesday 11 July from 2-5pm.
The vision for the development, between Haughton Road, Yarm Road, Hundens Lane and the railway line, is that by 2030 there will be a neighbourhood of businesses, education uses and over 350 new homes linked by green spaces.
Central Park is already home to Darlington College and Teesside University as well as Business Central and the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre. More than 170 houses have already been built, a new junction at Yarm Road has been delivered and the Spine Road is nearing completion.
The next stage of the development, Central Park South, has recently been designated as an Enterprise Zone and the overarching vision and masterplan for the area has been refreshed to illustrate the investment potential and suitability of the site.
In addition to the vision and to compliment the new development, a new cycle and foot bridge is being proposed to connect Central Park and Darlington Railway Station. The new bridge will link into existing cycle routes within Central Park and beyond onto Haughton Road and will significantly improve the current access both to and from Darlington Station.
The main features of the revised masterplan include:
A network of linked green spaces including a wildlife reserve.
A new Enterprise Zone to attract and support the growth of businesses
The provision of a high quality business environment
A new formal public space called Central Square
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge improving access to the train station
Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “Central Park is a great site for development which has already attracted international businesses, top educational facilities and hundreds of new homes
“I hope people will come along and the see our revised plans for the future of the site and give us their views so we can ensure Central Park continues to help Darlington thrive.”
The proposals can be viewed online at www.darlington.gov.uk/centralpark
Residents and businesses can also have their say by emailing economic.projects@darlington.gov.uk or by post to: Economic Projects Team, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT.
All views need to be received by Wednesday 26 July. Finalised plans will be considered by the Council in autumn.
Businesses who would like to know more can contact the Economic Projects Team on 01325 406312.