Workspace provider secured to transform Northern Echo building

Leading workspace provider, Adavo, has been secured to progress plans to transform the iconic Northern Echo building in Darlington into a new adult skills facility with high quality, serviced, office space available on the upper floors.

The building on Priestgate was bought by Darlington Borough Council in 2022 and is a cornerstone in plans to regenerate the town centre.

Funded by the Government's Towns Fund and Tees Valley Combined Authority, the development will provide a valuable addition to the towns existing adult learning provision and will help to address increasing demand for high quality commercial letting space in the town centre; creating over 3,000 square metres of flexible workspace for use by small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger organisations.

Adavo, which specialises in developing and letting superior, serviced office and workspaces in prestigious, landmark buildings, will design, deliver and operate the project which will draw upon the building’s rich history to deliver elegant and timeless spaces for commercial and public use.  The renovation is expected to be sympathetic to the buildings past, but will offer contemporary accommodation with modern communal facilities and high speed internet connections.

Preparatory works to secure and ready the site have already begun, with renovation work expected to start in earnest in August.

Angela Howey, Town Board Chair, said: “A revised proposal to extend the scope of the Northern Echo adult skills project to include more high-quality commercial office space on the upper floors was recently accepted by the Towns Fund.  We are delighted that Adavo has now come on board and that we are able to take the next steps in regenerating this important building. The project presents fantastic opportunities for local people wanting to learn new skills, find employment or progress in the career as well as for businesses looking to start, grow or relocate in Darlington.

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “The flexible office sector is experiencing rapid growth as companies turn away from traditional long-term leases. Adavo are an established Northeast firm with significant experience creating vibrant business communities within their premises and I am excited by the opportunities their involvement poses for the town and our continued economic growth. Having commercial space located alongside the new adult skills facility also poses significant possibilities for learners seeking employment and for collaboration between business and education providers; helping to ensure learners have the right skills and are employable.

Mark Black, chief executive officer of Adavo Workspace said: “We carefully select our buildings to create commercial workplaces which are invigorating and motivate people to be at their creative best. The Northern Echo building is a fabulous setting, with an interesting history and great local connections, and we are excited to have the opportunity to redevelop the space to accommodate the changing needs and demands of modern businesses; helping to bring more, better quality jobs to the area. Having an adult skills facility on site is a great coup and presents exciting opportunities for businesses to interact with education providers; supporting the ongoing training and development of local talent.”