Five firms shortlisted for £170m Darlington regeneration

Five firms have been shortlisted for the £170m Central Park development in Darlington.

Kier, Persimmon, St Modwen, Taylor Woodrow and the SKY consortium of Silverlink Property Developments, Keepmoat, Yuill Homes and Faithful+Gould have been shortlisted by Tees Valley Regeneration (TVR).

Central Park is an area of largely derelict land close to the town centre. The scheme will provide 27,870m² of office space, 600 new homes, a public car park, hotel, playgrounds and a doctors' surgery. Two bridges to carry pedestrians and cyclists over Yarm Road to the railway station will also be built.

TVR chief executive Joe Docherty said: "The fact that we have firms of this standing queuing up to be chosen says it all. The message is out that TVR is looking for the best - and will accept nothing less."