STEM Centre of Excellence Consultation
July 2026
Darlington Borough Council is proposing to deliver a new state of the art STEM Centre of Excellence for Darlington College through the Cityheart partnership that will support education, jobs and investment across Darlington and the wider Tees Valley.
What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The new STEM Centre of Excellence in Darlington will bring together these academic and vocational disciplines bringing exciting career pathways all under one roof.
What's the plan?
The currently vacant plot, south of Darlington College on Central Park, will be transformed into a state of the art STEM Centre of Excellence. Conveniently located a short stroll from the recently refurbished Darlington Train Station. It represents a collaboration between employers and educators which will support the thriving skills-based economy of Darlington and Tees Valley.
The STEM Centre of Excellence will be more than just an educational facility; it will provide outreach opportunities for the local community and a place to engage with primary and secondary schools; this is a key element of the council’s Pride and Place Programme.
The STEM Centre of Excellence will provide:
- Up to 200-person capacity auditorium for use by the college and businesses
- Business & Conference Suite
- 3 high-specification laboratories
- Modern and flexible classrooms designed to inspire learning
- A new immersive VR and simulation suite
- Data Science and Analytics Lab
- Meeting rooms and breakout environments
- Exceptional facilities to support wellbeing for students and staff
- Large open-plan indoor-outdoor space for food and socialising
- Over 100 additional car parking spaces for the college
- Secure cycle storage
- Improved landscaping and external space
A vital educational campus that will support valuable career pathways for young people and support the skilled workforce needed in the region. The scheme is being designed to the highest standards to provide a fantastic learning environment and surrounding public realm which the whole community can be proud of.
How to get involved
Join us at our consultation and meet the team in person. We look forward to talking you through the proposal and getting your feedback.
Thursday 2nd July, 3pm – 7pm
Darlington College, Central Park, Haughton Road, Darlington, DL1 1DR
If you aren’t able to make our consultation event in person you can still share you’re feedback with us here.
Target Timeline
-
Consultation
June / July 2026
-
Planning Submission
Summer 2026
-
Planning Decision
Winter 2026
-
Construction Starts
Autumn 2027
-
Completion
Spring 2029
FAQ’s
Where is the site?
MinimiseSouth of John Dixon Lane at Central Park, Darlington DL1 1HG
Who is the STEM Centre of Excellence for?
ExpandThe facility is for 16 years+ college students enrolled in STEM based subjects and vocational courses, as well as for the benefit of industry professionals in related professions across the North East. The STEM Centre of Excellence will also provide critical outreach work with the local community and schools as part of the Council’s Pride in Place Programme. It will be operated by Darlington College.
How many parking spaces will be provided?
ExpandThe scheme will provide over 100 car parking spaces. We are keen to deliver the maximum amount of parking available from day one to address any potential concerns from local residents of Central Park. Darlington College will manage the parking carefully and a Travel Plan will be prepared which encourages sustainable travel.
Who is funding the STEM Centre of Excellence?
ExpandCapital funding for The STEM Centre of Excellence is coming from the Council’s Pride in Place programme and Central Government’s Growth Mission Funding administered by the Department for Business & Trade.
When will you be submitting a planning application?
ExpandA planning application will be submitted in the Summer. This will give residents and key stakeholders another opportunity provide further comments on the plans before the application is decided by the local planning authority.