PLANS to build an £8.5m office complex on the site of an old car park in Darlington town centre has received a £3m boost.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has agreed to invest £3.23m to match-fund Darlington Borough Council’s contribution for the complex at Feethams, alongside a further £2.04m from the European Regional Development Fund.

The new five storey-high building is expected to provide accommodation for small and medium businesses in the professional services, digital and creative fields.

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The offices are within walking distance of Darlington station – which could itself see an upgrade by 2025 – and its East Coast Mainline rail services.

It is hoped the 3,900 sq m site will help to boost Darlington businesses as staff at the new offices take advantage of the town centre’s cafes, bars, and shops.

It will also help the Tees Valley hit its target to create 7,000 extra jobs in professional and office services.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “If we are going to attract professional services firms to the area, then we need proper Grade A office space.

“At the moment they’re looking to Newcastle and Leeds, when really they should be basing staff in the Tees Valley.

“This extra financial boost today sends a strong signal to companies nationwide that they should base themselves in here, and is recognition of Darlington’s pull as an excellent location for such firms.”

Darlington Borough Council leader and Combined Authority Cabinet Member Bill Dixon said: “Thanks in part to its road and rail connections, Darlington is very attractive to businesses.

“To match the great location, we need to keep investing in top-quality premises that have everything that companies, especially those in the digital sector, need to make sure they stay in the area for years to come.

“This cash will help us continue to deliver that and keep Darlington and the wider region growing.”

Those involved hope the new office hub will bring 300 and 500 jobs to the town and be finalised by autumn 2019.

The development will mark another major investment in the Feethams area, which has seen a new cinema and restaurant complex, complemented by a riverside walkway and a new multi-storey car park.