Regeneration specialist Cityheart has submitted a planning application for a STEM Centre at Darlington Science Park. The facility is designed to support education and skills development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across the region.
The centre will be located within Darlington's Central Park innovation district, alongside Teesside University, CPI and Innovation Central. It will include specialist teaching and learning spaces, science laboratories, data science facilities and immersive learning areas. A flexible 200-seat lecture theatre will support education, industry engagement and community events.
Darlington College will operate the centre once completed. The college was instrumental in developing the original concept and business case for the facility.
Addressing skills gaps
The project aims to address growing demand for STEM skills and create pathways into high-value careers. It is intended to support employers across the Tees Valley and North East by connecting education directly with industries driving economic growth.
The planning application follows extensive collaboration between Cityheart, Darlington Borough Council, Darlington College and industry stakeholders. The wider project team includes Space Architects, Identity Consult, engineers BGP and TGA, planning consultants ELG Planning, and landscape architects OOBE.
Funding and next steps
The scheme is being funded through the government's Growth Mission Fund and Pride in Place. Cityheart signed a development agreement with the council in May. The planning application will now be subject to the council's due planning process.
James Litherland, Development Director at Cityheart, said: "This is an important step towards delivering a facility that will create lasting opportunities for people across Darlington and the wider region. We are proud to be working with fantastic partners on a state-of-the-art facility that will help connect education directly with the industries driving economic growth and opportunities across the region."
Chris McEwan, Deputy Leader of the council and cabinet member for economy, said: "The submission of this planning application, which will now be subject to due process, marks another significant milestone in the delivery of a project which, if approved, will have a lasting impact on our town. A STEM Centre will support local people in accessing the skills, education and opportunities needed to secure high value careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while supporting businesses to recruit and develop talent locally."
