The introduction of a STEM centre to Darlington is set to provide clear pathways from
school so local people can access high-value careers in science, technology,
engineering and maths. The facility, which will be operated by Darlington College, will
also enable existing businesses and large employers to recruit and upskill locally.

Funding for the STEM centre will come from a contribution from Pride in Place grant, as well as central government. Funding from the Pride in Place Board has been secured and the business case for the government grant is in progress. Since October last year, the Council has been working with partners and the Department of Business and Trade to discuss the opportunity to build a STEM Centre in Darlington.

The need for a STEM Centre was identified at the Science Park steering
group who were concerned about a local skills gap in these areas.
The Council’s development partner for the project is the Cityheart partnership. A comprehensive Development Agreement has recently been finalised, paving the way for the regeneration of several town centre sites over the coming years. The partnership is already progressing work across five key strategic sites, including the STEM centre.

Cityheart is a leading developer specialising in public–private partnerships, with a growing portfolio of innovative regeneration projects across the UK. The wider project team includes Space Architects, Identity Consult, engineers BGP and TGA, ELG
Planning, and OOBE landscape architects.

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “Last night’s Cabinet decisions are key in taking us even closer to bringing the plans for the Darlington STEM Centre to fruition. Make no mistake, the introduction of a STEM centre to our town is game changing in terms of supporting local people to secure well-paid, specialist roles in the
science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in the future.

This document was classified as: OFFICIAL “This project is groundbreaking for Darlington in that it will make a real difference in
term of education and skills options for our communities and demonstrates our commitment as a council to continuing to support our town. This project also further shows our commitment to the delivery of our council plan priority of securing a strong, sustainable economy and highly skilled workforce with opportunities for all.”

James Litherland, Development Director, Cityheart, commented: “We are delighted to be delivering the STEM Centre for the Council in partnership with Darlington College and the Department of Business and Trade. It will provide a fantastic learning environment for people across the Tees Valley and we look forward to submitting a
planning application in the Summer following public consultation.”

David Gartland, CEO of Darlington College, added: “The STEM centre is about creating a seamless pathway for young people, from their early education right through to post-16 and higher education opportunities. We are dedicated to providing this in one central location as part of the new Education Quarter, situated at the heart of the college campus, in collaboration with Teesside University and neighbouring the Science Park. “This joined-up approach means learners can see a clear route into high-value careers while staying in the town, helping us retain and enabling us to grow local talent on our doorstep. It is also very much about supporting our wider community by providing opportunities to upskill and retrain the local workforce.”