Work to improve the pavement café's on a popular road in Darlington will start next month.

From Monday, October 7, Darlington Borough Council will begin work to extend pavements and realign the carriageway on Coniscliffe Road as part of a scheme to improve outdoor facilities for local bars and restaurants. 

The Coniscliffe Road project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2025, forms part of wider plans to regenerate the town centre.

Local businesses will remain open, and access maintained for the duration of the works - however, some minor disruption to traffic is expected at points during the project.

The scheme which includes the introduction of a pocket park, permanent seating, a cycle park, trees and planting is expected to bring more people into the town centre.

There were a few changes to the plans after the consultation period, these included:

  • continuing the existing one-way traffic system between Grange Road and Larchfield Street
  • changes to material specifications in keeping with the adjoining street scape
  • the removal of elements relating to a pedestrian/cycle zone
  • the removal of elements relating to the junction realignment between Grange Road, Blackwellgate and Skinnergate
  • tree planting removed from build outs intended to accommodate pavement cafes

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: "The regeneration and improvement of Darlington town centre remains a priority for the council, and we are committed to creating an environment in which businesses can thrive while attracting more investment to the town.

"Outdoor dining has become characteristic of this part of Coniscliffe Road and the planned works will support local businesses to maximise their revenue by creating more covers and attracting more people to the area; helping to ensure Darlington remains a great place to live, work, visit or do business.

"The plans will also clean and make green the area, creating a more pleasant and welcoming environment for people entering the town while supporting the council's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040."