Debenhams gets approval in Darlington
Published: 15 December, 2011
Darlington planners have given the thumbs up to the creation of a new Debenhams department store as part of the town centre’s Cornmill shopping centre.
Designed by DLG Architects, on behalf of the Moorfield Group, planning consent has been obtained to build a new three storey, 62,000 sq ft department store within the walls of the original Northern Echo Building, immediately adjacent to the shopping centre.
The proposals, which include retention of the well-loved historic façade, have been well received by the Council and public alike. Construction work is due to start at the end of 2012.
DLG, who have over 30 years experience in shopping centre and retail developments, have carefully prepared the proposals to allow the existing facades to be retained and new floors inserted within the existing structure. New circulation stairs, lifts and escalators are introduced and direct links to the main mall in the Cornmill will allow the department store to be fully integrated into the existing shopping centre.
Martin Cranage, director of DLG Architects, said: “It’s great to be working on another historic building in the heart of the town centre. This is a complex project and we are very pleased to have been able to bring forward proposals that breathe new life into another well known landmark building in Darlington and given the current market conditions, it is a credit to all parties involved that the project is moving forward so positively.”
