Next step for Darlington STEM Centre
The council has authorised the securing of a lease for the proposed site and approved funding for professional services and planning activities, enabling the scheme to progress towards delivery.
The proposed science, technology, engineering and mathematics facility will be located at Darlington’s Science Park and operated by Darlington College. It is being delivered by Cityheart, and also on the project team is Space Architects, Identity Consult, engineers BGP and TGA, ELG Planning, and OOBE landscape architects.
The centre is designed to address skills shortages across the region while supporting workforce development for existing employers.
The centre is expected to create clearer pathways into high-value careers in STEM sectors and strengthen the talent pipeline for businesses operating in and around the Science Park.
Funding for the project is being drawn from a combination of £5m Pride in Place grant funding and £16m central government support. Funding from the Pride in Place Board has already been secured, while work continues on the business case required to unlock the government investment.
The project secured approval in March and forms part of a wider regeneration and economic development strategy for Darlington. Since October 2024, Darlington Borough Council has been working alongside partners and the Department for Business and Trade to explore the opportunity, following concerns raised by the Science Park steering group over persistent skills gaps in STEM disciplines.
Delivery of the scheme will be supported through the council’s partnership with Cityheart. A comprehensive Development Agreement has been finalised between the parties, providing the framework for the regeneration of multiple town centre sites over the coming years.
The STEM centre is one of five strategic projects currently being progressed through the partnership and is expected to play a key role in supporting both economic growth and future investment across the borough.
Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “Make no mistake, the introduction of a STEM centre to our town is game changing in terms of supporting local people to secure well-paid, specialist roles in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in the future.
“This project is groundbreaking for Darlington in that it will make a real difference in term of education and skills options for our communities and demonstrates our commitment as a council to continuing to support our town.”
David Gartland, chief executive of Darlington College, added: “The STEM centre is about creating a seamless pathway for young people, from their early education right through to post-16 and higher education opportunities.
“We are dedicated to providing this in one central location as part of the new Education Quarter, situated at the heart of the college campus, in collaboration with Teesside University and neighbouring the Science Park.”
