Mart move now nearer

Jan 29 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

ENVIRONMENTAL impact studies will begin soon on a site earmarked for an ambitious £14m redevelopment of Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DfAM).

The move to relocate the mart from its prime town centre position to a purpose-built agricultural and equine centre at Humbleton Farm off the A68 will free up valuable real estate for housing.

Once completed, it is hoped the new centre will act as a rural hub, attracting thousands of customers and educational visits from local schools.

Facilities will include conference and exhibition space as well as accommodation/units for agricultural-based businesses such as seed merchants.

The plans are being promoted by Scottish based Linlathen Developments, with Newcastle based White Young Green poised to begin environmental impact assessments.

WYG, which has handled similar mart relocations elsewhere, has also been appointed to undertake selected environmental studies on a third site, totalling 11 acres, for Linlathen and DfAM at Neasham Road opposite the football stadium.

WYG’s principal environmental scientist, Gaynor Cummins, will co-ordinate a range of studies including ecological and air quality assessments. She said: “Traditionally auction marts are centrally located in market towns. However, on mart day, the increased traffic from sellers and buyers adds to congestion so we are now seeing a trend for relocation.”

Linlathen’s managing director, Bob Hyslop, added: “DfAM and the Borough Council have been seeking to relocate the mart for some time and this latest phase brings the project a step closer to becoming a reality, marking significant investment supported by potential job creation for the area.”

The development is set to create 300 jobs.