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Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:34 am
by Darlo_Pete
In common with a lot of town high street's Darlington is really suffering. We've already heard that Marks & Sparks and Neu Look are closing and today there is the bad news that the House of Fraser in the town centre is now going to be closed. I think things will only get worse as everybody buys things online or from out of town shopping centres. The Council I believe are also to blame with their excessive car park charges. Even the area opposite the vue cinema that was earmarked for a leisure development is now going to be turned into yet another office complex.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:39 am
by eek
Darlo_Pete wrote: Even the area opposite the vue cinema that was earmarked for a leisure development is now going to be turned into the new town hall offices when it dawns that no-one wants it..
FTFY as although I'm a potential target tenant staff need an easy commute with free parking. Hence no one except the council will want it.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:54 am
by tezza
A friend and I were discussing this recently, prior to the House of Fraser announcement. Darlington Council , like many others were seduced by developers and Supermarkets. Little or no consideration for the long term impact on Town Centres. Indeed Dixon & Co. still seem unable to Dance out of the spotlight, hence the recent North Road development a stone throw from the Town Centre. Not certain how the once thriving heart of towns can be re captured, however excessive parking charges, enforced by over zealous wardens certainly hinders prosperity. Excessive rents & rates are other obstacles that need addressing if there is to be any hope of a recovery. There is probably a need for a National Strategy for Town centre recovery as what I see around most North East Town Centres are , Phone shops, nail bars & Bookies. Little wonder footfall is dwindling.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:04 am
by Gow9900
House of Fraser currently have 59 stores in the UK.

This closure plan will see 31 of these stores close, including the one on Oxford Street in London and the one in Birmingham City Centre. If they are closing stores they have on the most famous shopping street in the UK and also a city centre location in the second biggest city in the country stores in the likes of Darlington, Middlesbrough, Grimsby, Carlisle etc etc don't stand a chance, regardless of the policies of their local councils.

Whilst I'm not a fan of the way DBC do things, I imagine that whatever they did would not have made any difference. The main factor in the continued shrinking of and collapse of retail chains is the change in the habits of the consumer.

The vast majority of people shop online, social habits have changed as well, people work more hours so have less time to shop, wages for a lot of people have been stagnant for years due to austerity so have less money in their pockets, central government have raised the rates and rents shop tenants have to pay.

It's a perfect storm of circumstances that have contributed to the ongoing decline of shop offerings. People hark back to the good old days of when town centres were hubs that people shopped and socialised in, most people don't do that now as they shop on the internet and communicate using technology etc. When I was a kid you wanted to buy something you had to go into town and physically buy it from a shop, you want it now you can google it and have it ordered in minutes without leaving your sofa.

Out of town retail parks will thrive as they offer free parking and lots of parking that means you can practically park outside of the door of the stores that are there.

Town centres, not just ours but all towns at the moment and then eventually big cities need to find new uses/purposes for their centres, as they have no future as shopping destinations and that has been their main purpose for probably over a century. There are so many really good small independant retailers in town that struggle to survive because people can order similar stuff off of Amazon for pennies in seconds.

It's incredibly sad, and in all of this the people we need to think about are those that are losing their jobs.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 12:23 pm
by Darlo_Pete
eek wrote:
Darlo_Pete wrote: Even the area opposite the vue cinema that was earmarked for a leisure development is now going to be turned into the new town hall offices when it dawns that no-one wants it..
FTFY as although I'm a potential target tenant staff need an easy commute with free parking. Hence no one except the council will want it.
Sorry that is a new office block. The council seem to be unable to attract the sort of leisure facilities that will bring people into the town centre. That space between the vue cinema and the new multi storey car park, would have been ideal for a 10 pin bowling alley. I guess the venue at Teesside Park is a bit too close to Darlington.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 1:44 pm
by eek
Darlo_Pete wrote:
eek wrote:
Darlo_Pete wrote: Even the area opposite the vue cinema that was earmarked for a leisure development is now going to be turned into the new town hall offices when it dawns that no-one wants it..
FTFY as although I'm a potential target tenant staff need an easy commute with free parking. Hence no one except the council will want it.
Sorry that is a new office block. The council seem to be unable to attract the sort of leisure facilities that will bring people into the town centre. That space between the vue cinema and the new multi storey car park, would have been ideal for a 10 pin bowling alley. I guess the venue at Teesside Park is a bit too close to Darlington.
The market for 10 pin bowling isn't that big. The one in Northallerton died due to lack of demand, and Lane 7 (posh Newcastle based 10 pin bowling firm) looked at the new Sports Direct shop (old TK Maxx) before walking away.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:57 am
by Makka Pakka
Why is the demise of town centres / high streets negative? It is only happening because not many people want them so why do we have to "fight" to keep something no one wants. People will lose jobs, but other people have gained jobs due to the growth of retail parks and on-line shopping. High street buildings can find a new purpose if allowed.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:48 pm
by DARL
M&S is no loss - they complain that people are shopping online and that has caused the closure but last time i was in there they said that they didn't have what i wanted and I should buy it online!

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:15 am
by Darlo_Pete
DARL wrote:M&S is no loss - they complain that people are shopping online and that has caused the closure but last time i was in there they said that they didn't have what i wanted and I should buy it online!
Disagree that it's not a big loss, the likes of M & S draw people into the town and if it is no longer there, then there is no need to come into Darlo and spend their money. At least it's slightly better news about House Of Fraser, but apparently the store remaining open is only guaranteed until I believe Easter 2019 and I wouldn't trust Mike Ashley as far as I can throw him and that's not very far!!!

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2018 9:53 am
by tezza
Clearly Town Centres are not delivering what the public currently want as a retail experience. The move to online shopping and retail parks with free parking etc. have accelerated the process. No town or City centre will be immune. A National Strategy, properly funded, perhaps based around specialist, artisan business and leisure seems a good start. Integrated centralised housing to service business needs are starting to pop up all over the place, even in Darlo you seem not to be able to place a cigarette paper between some of the builds and pedestrians. Town centres are not so much dying as evolving

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 10:08 pm
by shildonlad
Darlo_Pete wrote:
DARL wrote:M&S is no loss - they complain that people are shopping online and that has caused the closure but last time i was in there they said that they didn't have what i wanted and I should buy it online!
Disagree that it's not a big loss, the likes of M & S draw people into the town and if it is no longer there, then there is no need to come into Darlo and spend their money. At least it's slightly better news about House Of Fraser, but apparently the store remaining open is only guaranteed until I believe Easter 2019 and I wouldn't trust Mike Ashley as far as I can throw him and that's not very far!!!
Maybe Ashley’s got a short term rent reduction and will see how it goes, use it or loose it springs to mind. Must say if that went where would you buy as I Levi jeans in town? Can’t think of anywhere else.


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Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2018 10:09 pm
by shildonlad
You could convert large vacant buildings into flats which would also increase business for those shops left however where would these new residents park. Retail parks seem way forward but pain in the arce if you don’t have a car, not many are central


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Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 10:20 am
by Darlo_Pete
Looks like House of Fraser has been saved for now, but how certain can anything be, when Mike Ashley is involved? If they can close their store at the metro centre, then the Darlington store can't be safe.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2019 2:10 am
by cathpeti43
tezza wrote:
Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:54 am
A friend and I were discussing this recently, prior to the House of Fraser announcement. Darlington Council , like many others were seduced by developers and Supermarkets. Little or no consideration for the long term impact on Town Centres. Indeed Dixon & Co. still seem unable to Dance out of the spotlight, hence the recent North Road development a stone throw from the Town Centre. Not certain how the once thriving heart of towns can be re captured, however excessive parking charges, enforced by over zealous wardens certainly hinders prosperity. Excessive rents & rates are other obstacles that need addressing if there is to be any hope of a recovery Douche plain-pied. There is probably a need for a National Strategy for Town centre recovery as what I see around most North East Town Centres are , Phone shops, nail bars & Bookies. Little wonder footfall is dwindling.
There is also the mentality of the politicians who should change for a city, a country or anything to work and develop I think.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:58 pm
by Darlo_Pete
Darlington town centre is not helped by the stupid decision by the last Labour council to build an office bloke opposite the Vue cinema, This site was earmarked for a leisure development, which would have helped to bring extra people into the town centre. But now an office block is being built, for which there are no tenants as far as I know. No wonder the shower were voted out at the last election.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 7:56 am
by eek
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:58 pm
Darlington town centre is not helped by the stupid decision by the last Labour council to build an office bloke opposite the Vue cinema, This site was earmarked for a leisure development, which would have helped to bring extra people into the town centre. But now an office block is being built, for which there are no tenants as far as I know. No wonder the shower were voted out at the last election.
What leisure development could go there? We already have a new cinema and the town isn't exactly short of bars and pubs - so what and who would want that space..

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 8:29 am
by Darlo_Pete
eek wrote:
Sat Jul 20, 2019 7:56 am
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:58 pm
Darlington town centre is not helped by the stupid decision by the last Labour council to build an office bloke opposite the Vue cinema, This site was earmarked for a leisure development, which would have helped to bring extra people into the town centre. But now an office block is being built, for which there are no tenants as far as I know. No wonder the shower were voted out at the last election.
What leisure development could go there? We already have a new cinema and the town isn't exactly short of bars and pubs - so what and who would want that space..
It would have been ideal for a 10 pin bowling alley, The council specified in their local plan that the site was to be used for leisure purposes, so they went against their own plan. Now we are faced with a structure that won't do anything that will attract people and families to the town centre and at the moment will be unoccupied and therefore a white elephant.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2019 5:33 am
by Darlo_Pete
The new Sports Direct results could spell the end of House of Frasers in Darlington. :thumbdown:

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 12:37 am
by Darlo_Pete
I see it's been announced that Pizza Express is closing down in Darlo.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 11:02 am
by eek
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Sat Jul 27, 2019 5:33 am
The new Sports Direct results could spell the end of House of Frasers in Darlington. :thumbdown:
1 year later - it hasn't happened Mr Doom monger...

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 11:26 am
by Darlo_Pete
eek wrote:
Wed Aug 19, 2020 11:02 am
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Sat Jul 27, 2019 5:33 am
The new Sports Direct results could spell the end of House of Frasers in Darlington. :thumbdown:
1 year later - it hasn't happened Mr Doom monger...
I di say could not would. I still think the house of fraser store is on borrowed time, but time will see.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 12:51 pm
by Darlo_Pete
I don't agree about car park charges. The council has for quite a while now offered free parking & that has recently been changed to free parking for the first 2 hours of a visit to a council car park. I do agree about that office development next to the multi storey car park. That piece of land was earmarked for a leisure development & the previous Labour run council administration decided to build an office block, with no tenant in place for it. This building could be a massive white elephant as it is left unoccupied. That piece of land would have been ideal for a bowling alley, but it's too late now.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 4:07 pm
by Vokuhila
Re-read the opening post, Pete - I think you might know the fella you've just replied to.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 7:56 am
by Darlo_Pete
There could be a massive boost coming to Darlington. Just read that Sunak in his autumn spending statement next week is going to announce the location for the relocation of part of the treasury & the speculation is that this is coming to Darlington. Apparently up to 21k jobs are being moved from London. This could ne massive for the whole town & it won't do the football club any harm either.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 1:56 pm
by Darlo_Pete
Great news for the Darlo area, as part of the Treasury is moving up to little old Darlo. :thumbup:

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 3:51 pm
by Old Git
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Wed Mar 03, 2021 1:56 pm
Great news for the Darlo area, as part of the Treasury is moving up to little old Darlo. :thumbup:
After a lot of talking about levelling up this is something tangible at last. Also the creation of Freeports including one at Teesport could be a massive boost to the local economy. No doubt some will see it as cronyism given we have a Tory Council MP and Mayor but who cares it is long overdue investment in the local infrastructure.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 5:10 pm
by Darlo_Pete
Wonder where this is going to be built? When I heard that it was probably coming to Darlington, I thought it was going to go near to the Amazon site. But then yesterday, they said it was going near to Teesside Airport. Does Morton Park count as being near to Teesside Airport? It'll be interesting to see how many of the civil servants from London actually come up here?

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 7:36 pm
by Old Git
According to BBC News they were suggesting Central Park as the location.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:15 pm
by Darlo_Pete
Yes I saw that on Look North, 750 highly paid civil servants can only be good for the town, even if a lot of them come up from the smoke.

Re: Darlo's High Street

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:04 pm
by lo36789
Darlo_Pete wrote:
Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:15 pm
Yes I saw that on Look North, 750 highly paid civil servants can only be good for the town, even if a lot of them come up from the smoke.
Is it known what grade / roles will actually be posted at the Darlington site?

That will really determine how many relocate versus whether it creates new local job vacancies / opportunities.