Contractor named for Darlington innovation centre

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Darlington Borough Council to deliver Innovation Central.

Located in Central Park, the £8M facility will provide office space and laboratories and will support economic growth and job creation, while increasing the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Procured via the SCAPE framework, the project will see the delivery of a 2,370m² four-storey office and laboratory development, creating a purpose-built home for digital and technical businesses and a catalyst for local investment.

Designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the building’s layout will include 400m² of net lettable laboratory space for use by resident businesses.

Council leader Heather Scott said: “We have begun the exciting work of creating a modern and flexible workplace, which will help businesses collaborate, innovate and grow.

“Our investment into this centre will increase opportunities for local businesses, create quality jobs and generate the momentum needed to help the local economy bounce back from the impacts of this pandemic.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted that spades are now in the ground to make this new facility a reality, adding even more value to Central Park and Darlington, a town increasingly hitting the headlines.”