Darlington Arts Centre

In Darlington, County Durham, the building that became Darlington Arts Centre was constructed in 1876 as Darlington College of Education, a teacher training college founded by the British & Foreign School Society.

The building occupies a prominent position in the town centre. The West Wing was added in 1903, and a new gymnasium and art room block in 1911.

In 1976, Darlington Arts Association was formed. In 1978 the College closed; the growth and expansion of the college buildings made it an attractive venue for an Arts Centre.

In 1982, the Arts Centre opened with the main hall adapted to a well-raked auditorium. The entrance hall and other areas were adapted to a large foyer with bistro, a large ballroom, a shop and ancillary rooms. The Myles Meehan Gallery, adjoining the reception area, opened the following year. Alterations and improvements were made continually thereafter.

Films were originally presented by Darlington Film Society, for members only initially, due to licensing issues, but later the public was allowed in. This was always a part-time cinema operation.

In 2001 ownership of the building was transferred to Darlington Borough Council. A refurbishment programme was completed in 2007 which provided improved facilities, including a new Studio Theatre space, and dressing rooms with full disabled access. The foyer was refurbished, step-free access to the Garden Bar was made possible, and the Lounge Gallery was added as a community gallery, providing exhibition space for local artists.

The Centre continued as a thriving cultural centre, with a popular and varied programme of theatre, film, music, comedy, visual arts and other community activities, workshops and education. It was also home to the National Association of Youth Theatres and Hullabaloo Theatre Company.

In a 2010 Character Appraisal, the building was identified as one of particular local interest. This, and its incorporation in the West End Conservation Area, provided the building with initial protection against demolition. However, cuts to Council funding forced the Council to withdraw its subsidy for the Arts Centre, leading to its closure on 7th July 2012.

In July 2013 it was announced that the building would be put on the market.

It was sold in November 2015 with planning permission granted to Moor Galloway and Company, from York, to create 38 open plan rental apartments. 32 retirement apartments were to be built in the rear grounds by McCarthy and Stone Retirements Lifestyles Ltd.

Thankfully, the familiar redbrick structure continues to be a part of the town’s rich architecture. As Darlington Borough Council’s estates surveyor, Richard Adamson, said before the sale: “All of the oldest part of the building will be retained and the developer of this part plans to retain all of the original features on the exterior. Internally there aren’t many original features still visible in this part of the building but staircases will be retained as far as is compatible with current health and safety legislation and building regulations”.

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