£12m development will put Quakers firmly on the map

Dec 11 2007 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A £12M education and leisure complex which could create up to 150 jobs aims to put Darlington Football Club at the heart of the community.

An outline planning application has been put forward to Darlington Council to build a multi-use development on land surrounding the Quakers’ Balfour Webnet Arena at Neasham Road.

The scheme by Darlington Investments, owner of Darlington FC, would include a 100-bed Hilton hotel, a 929sq m office block, three restaurants, a pub and a coffee shop.

Jon Sotnick, chief executive of Darlington Investments and Darlington FC, confirmed a training ground would also be developed at the site for the first team, which currently uses facilities 30 miles north in Chester-le-Street, as well as a football academy for up-and-coming youth players.

A planned educational facility would provide a range of NVQ qualifications which could help bridge key skills gaps on Teesside.

Mr Sotnick is also in talks with the Teesside University about the possibility of offering a sports-related degree programme. And he confirmed a provisional agreement with international chain Hilton to run the hotel complex had been signed.

“This development is about really putting Darlington Football Club on the map, not just in footballing terms, but in terms of the recreational and educational facilities it provides,” he added.

Mr Sotnick added the rental income generated by the development would support the football club, which currently loses money year on year. The planning application is the second put forward by the company for the site.

Following initial discussions with Darlington Council and a local consultation process, the firm re-submitted amended plans, including the removal of a proposed bowling alley.

A planning decision on the development is expected in February.