Darlington yards project given 'best in region' award

ELG Planning, based in Darlington and Harrogate, was recognised with two Royal Town Planning Institute Awards for its work in Darlington and on the Stephenson Building at Newcastle University.

The Project Darlington scheme, which saw Darlington’s historic yards and wynds revamped, was awarded the ‘best in region’ accolade.

The work to revamp Darlington’s historic yards and wynds has earned a prestigious town planning award (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The work, in Buckton’s Yard and Clark’s Yard, saw shop fronts upgraded, as well as the installation of a living green wall, decorative lighting, benches, pots, planters and artwork.

This was carried out as part of the council’s Towns Fund with the aim of bringing life back to the historic yards across Darlington by improving the streetscape and encouraging footfall and support for independent businesses.

Director of ELG, Jeremy Good, said: "We are delighted that the practice has been once again recognised for its work by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and these awards build on previous success for North East Best Project an award we last won for our work at Wynyard Hall and our nomination for planning consultancy of the year as the national awards.”

Chair of RTPI North East, Tim Crawshaw, said: "2024 has been a bumper year for entries and the quality of submissions has made the job of judging them all the more demanding.

Clark's Yark, where work included upgrades to shop fronts upgraded, the installation of a living green wall, decorative lighting, benches, pots, planters and artwork (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Across a wide range of projects the judges have been impressed by the impact being made by Planners right across the North East.  

“I am delighted to showcase the fantastic work that RTPI Planners are doing to ensure that the North East prospers, keeps people and communities healthy and contributes at a local level to tackling global challenges.”