en.Wedoany.com Reported - Darlington Cabinet has approved the leasing of a site within the local Science Park for the construction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) centre, allocating funds for professional services and planning to advance the project.
The centre aims to provide local residents with a clear pathway from school to high-value careers in STEM fields. The facility will be operated by Darlington College, assisting existing businesses and major employers in recruiting and upskilling staff locally.
Funding for the STEM centre comes from the "Pride in Place" grant and central government allocations. The project has received funding from the "Pride in Place" committee, and a business case for government grants is currently being developed. Since last October, the council has been working with partners and the Department of Business and Trade to explore opportunities for building a STEM centre in Darlington. The need was identified by the Science Park Steering Group, which expressed concerns about local skills gaps in STEM fields.
The council's project development partner is Cityheart Partnership. A comprehensive development agreement has been finalised, paving the way for the redevelopment of several town centre sites over the coming years. The partnership has already advanced work on five key strategic locations, including the STEM centre. Cityheart specialises in public-private partnerships and has 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, stated that the cabinet decision is a crucial step in advancing the plans, and the STEM centre is transformative in supporting local residents' future access to high-paying professional roles in STEM fields. The project aims to bring change to the community in terms of education and skills choices, demonstrating the council's commitment to supporting the town's development to ensure a sustained strong economy and a highly skilled workforce.
James Litherland, Development Director at Cityheart, added that the company is delighted to collaborate with Darlington College and the Department of Business and Trade to deliver the centre for the council. The project will provide a learning environment for Tees Valley residents, and the team plans to submit a planning application in the summer following public consultation. David Gartland, Chief Executive of Darlington College, explained that the centre aims to create a seamless pathway for young people, from early education through to post-16 and higher education opportunities.
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