‘Major’ Darlington employer to relocate to Stephenson House

Land at Morton Palms Business Park, owned by Darlington Borough Council, has been transferred to the firm to enable the expansion of Stephenson House. 

The local authority said the land, which is around 1,376 Acres in size, is intended to be used as a car park in connection with the proposed extension of the building. 

However, the council has not revealed the identity of the company due to ongoing contractual discussions. 

The large office block, near the former Cleveland Bridge factory, is currently occupied by several companies.  

A council report read: “The proposed purchaser of the council’s plot is intending to acquire Stephenson House with a view to enlarging and almost doubling the size of the office building to accommodate an office relocation of a major employer within Darlington. 

“Enlarging Stephenson House will require building on what is currently the existing car park, and as such, the council is being asked if they can relocate the car parking onto the vacant plot of land opposite, off Alderman Best Way. 

“Although the plot is to be used for car parking, this will facilitate the expansion of Stephenson House, which will enable a large employer to relocate and retain jobs within the town.”

Cabinet members were told the increase in business rates generated from the expansion of the building will financially benefit the local authority.