Talks between the new owner of Darlington's Binns building and House of Fraser are happening “at speed” to finalise details on the chain staying in town.
Last week, it was revealed that the firm had agreed terms to remain in the High Row building after it was bought by a local investment company.
The new owner was said to be “working around the clock” to get the brand to stay put - with final details being finalised ahead of an official announcement.
On Monday (October 28), the owner’s representatives met with Darlington Council officers to discuss both the short term and long term plans for the building, which remain under wraps.
And today, (Tuesday, October 29), John Taylor, director of Parker Barras and agent acting for the new owner, said positive discussions are continuing daily and at speed with House of Fraser to settle the agreement.
He said: “The council is very receptive to what we are trying to achieve in town - we are just trying to finalise bits with House of Fraser.
“We have updated the council on what our intentions are and the fact we have been having very positive discussions with House of Fraser.
“We also spoke about our long term plan and had a discussion about the town centre in general, about jobs being created and the development happening here.”
Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, said that it was great to meet the new owner of the building this week.
He said: "The new owner was able to update us on the really positive discussions they were having with House of Fraser and, while they are yet to be finalised, I have got a really good feeling about Frasers staying on.
"It was a great opportunity to speak with the new owner, who has an interest in the town already and for our ambition as a town council."
Cllr McEwan said the town must continue to celebrate both independent businesses and hospitality offerings - and while the news of House of Fraser "agreeing terms" is positive, he added that "complacency is the enemy".
"We need to really work hard with businesses in the town," he said.
‘Brilliant news’
House of Fraser - which has been a staple in the town for decades - announced it would be closing for good in September due to the landlord’s decision to terminate the lease.
Bosses at parent company Frasers Group said the chain had planned to stay in its High Row home “for the foreseeable future” before the decision was made.
It looked all set to close until last week, when the news broke that the Binns building had been bought by a new owner after months on the market.
Since then, Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has spoken out on the “brilliant” news that House of Fraser could be staying put.
She said: “I am hopeful that this deal will secure the long-term future of our iconic Binns building, which would be brilliant news for the town.
"I will be happy to offer my support wherever needed and will be keen to meet with the new owners to hear of their plans.”
Conservative Councillor Jonathan Dulston, leader of the opposition at Darlington Council, added: "I welcome this news and hope this brings long term stability to this building and Binns the current occupier.
"I will continue to press the Labour council to do everything the can to better support businesses in our town centre."
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