Darlington Market Development Management and Ownership £5.5M

A project between Darlington Borough Council, Market Curators and Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.

Market Curators was appointed by Darlington Borough Council to assist with the redevelopment of the Victorian Market Hall and Open Market.

The market was commercially failing with significant voids, a lack of occupational agreements and spiralling trader debts. The market hall required significant investment and suffered from leaking roof, a lack of any heating and market shop units is a state of disrepair.

The long lease changed to – A redevelopment strategy was approved by Darlington Borough Council and funded through town funding of £3.5m and operator funding of £2m.

Phase 1

A new roof for the indoor market hall

A new biomass wooden pellet boiler providing green energy heating to the market hall

The introduction of 6 new food kitchens, a market tap, communal seating for 300 and a stage to an area of the ground floor introducing new visitors into the market hall and driving a family-based evening economy.

Phase 2

The transformation of two perimeter redundant market retail units into new restaurants with alfresco dining

New public toilet facilities

The transformation of redundant storage facilities in the vaulted basement into a cocktail and jazz bar operated in-house

Phase 3

Improvements to a further three perimeter shop units forming a continental bakery, cookery school and café, a butcher and a pack and despatch room.

The existing and somewhat tired market kiosks were removed and replaced with state-of-the-art retail and hospitality units of a truly contemporary design

Phase 4 – Old Town Hall – Planning Stage

The market estate includes the old Victorian Town Hall and we are currently working with The Council to redevelop this under-used asset into a co-making space over 3 floors and with excellent access to the town-centre.

Project Outcomes

Increase In Letting Space
0 %
Increased Rental Income Since 2017
0 %
Full Time Employees
0 +

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