The start of a new year is a time to look forward and alongside resolutions, many people draw up a wish list of things they wish to see and achieve. With this in mind, is 2023 the year Darlington FC finds a new home?
We know all about finding homes and property moves in the local market, but this is one job that is a bit beyond the team at Anthony Jones!
According to the Northern Echo, the new Darlington football stadium could be developed at Faverdale or Skernigham.
There will be discussions over which site is most effective
There will likely be a lot of debate and argument over any proposed development at Skerningham. There is already a plan in place, which has been approved by the Local Plan Inspector, which is set to bring up to 1,650 houses to the local area. There are also plans for facilities such as schools and a GP surgery.
While this is a long-term project, unlikely to be fully realised until 2036, it is easy to see why the addition of homes, schools and much-needed local amenities and facilities will gain support from the wider community. A football team is often a crucial component in many people’s lives, and it can play a vital role in a community setting, but people with no interest in the beautiful game will want other projects to take priority.
Mayor Houchen commented: “This club has been through some difficult times in the past, but now it has the right leadership and a sensible, well thought-out and realistic plan. We don't yet know the final two sites as this is only known by the club and the council, however, whatever the site may be, it would be great for the club to finally have its own stadium. Darlo are top of the league, having a great season and this is a step closer to finding a long-term home for this much-loved team, and the promised state-of-the-art stadium will match the team's ambitions and which the town deserves.”
What is the club saying?
Darlington’s chief executive David Johnston recently spoke on the matter, saying; “The parcels of land are being acquired and secured for the village developments and once that happens we will be granted an option, once we grant that option we can then start the formal process of looking at a detailed design. We’re working through a commercial model and the intention is that we have our main ground, pitches, all the stuff that’s required for the training but in addition to that we’re driving income from different sources on that land. The intention is that what we put on the land produces a revenue in excess of the annual mortgage of the stadium. Early in the new year we’ll be talking to people about supporting us with the ground development costs to help get the detailed design done.”
A new stadium brings optimism to the club, and fans hoping for promotions up the league pyramid, but work of this nature brings jobs in the short and long-term. This project isn’t just about the local football team and fans, it is likely to impact lives in and around Darlington for many years to come.
As it has an impact on the economy, and even the local jobs market, we’ll make sure we stay on top of this story, and all relevant stories as we make our way through 2023. Like you, we expect his will be a challenging year for many reasons, and it will be vital you make informed decisions. No matter what property move you are thinking of, allow us to assist you.
Contact Anthony Jones for all Darlington property matters
If you are looking for help with any matter of the Darlington property market, it is best to speak to property professionals. No one knows for sure what is going to happen next, so we won’t claim to have all the answers, but the Anthony Jones team is keen to help you as best we can. If you would like to contact us over housing matters, please call us today on 01325 776424.
