Boost for Darlington as more people visit the town centre
Footfall figures released by Darlington Borough Council show visitor numbers increased between August-December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The rate of 1.46 million visitors in September was the highest figure since June 2023.
There was a slow start to the year, however, with footfall figures gradually improving throughout spring and into summer.
The number of people using council-owned car parks across the town centre also improved between July-October despite a warning from Darlington Conservatives that the reintroduction of parking charges in 2023 would reduce visitor numbers.
During a survey of over a thousand people, just 33 per cent said Darlington is “a good place to shop”, 68 per cent said “overall, it is a good place to visit”, with the town’s nightlife and inclusivity praised.
The report will be discussed at the council’s economy and resources scrutiny meeting on Thursday, January 30.
People predominantly travel into the town centre by car or walking. Passenger numbers on buses throughout Darlington increased by four per cent in Darlington, which is due to take bus patronage to approximately 4.2 million journeys – higher than 2023.
The council said the popularity of nearby retail parks impacts town centre figures due to their accessibility. “Additional out-of-town locations mean consumers have more choice and availability to find what they are looking for without having to come into the town centre,” the report said.
“Darlington town centre has more independent retail and hospitality venues but there is a parking charge to pay to visit and sometimes this is less convenient for shoppers.
“Teesside Park and other out-of-town retail parks like West Auckland are much more appealing for national retailers: more accessible with cheaper rates. Many brands will only consider these out-of-town locations.”
Recommended reading:
Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.
The cost of living is also seen to have impacted shopping habits. The council said many retailers and venues find their shoppers visit less frequently, “but when they do go shopping, it is more purposeful and targeted; sometimes spending more in one transaction but less regularly.”
The success of the council’s annual events programme has helped attract thousands of extra visitors throughout the year, it added.
“Events offer businesses the opportunity to get involved and help to promote their goods and services, this involvement continues to develop and build as we work in partnership with businesses to create more events to support them and attract visitors to their venues,” added the report.
Councillor Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, praised the council and local businesses’ work in creating a “fantastic mix” of independent traders, leisure and a thriving night-time economy.
The Labour member said: “The figures also provide evidence for our assertion that local Conservative members are categorically wrong to talk down the town centre at every opportunity.
“Town centre parking is competitively priced and remains popular – December 2024 saw the best performance in over a decade for council-run town centre car parks. It’s blatantly wrong to point to the end of the free parking offer almost two years ago and say that it brought nothing but doom and gloom for our town centre.