THE FUTURE of some of Darlington’s prized assets was discussed at a council meeting.

A presentation given at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council’s efficiency and resources scrutiny committee outlined plans for some of the town’s most well-known sites.

Budget pressures and a shrinking workforce across the borough mean that some properties could be earmarked for development, according to a presentation given by Brian Boggon, the council’s assistant director of regeneration.

He said the council would be looking at other uses – including potential development - for “striking and significant” buildings such as Central House, near North Lodge Park, and Harewood House.

The future of the former Arts Centre was also discussed with Mr Boggon confirming that the much-loved property will be redeveloped and its original facade preserved by developers.

Guy Metcalfe, the council’s head of property asset management, said: “The developers are looking to do this tastefully and with respect.

“Its appearance is striking and a lot of that structure will remain.”

In other cases, the council will work to regenerate historic properties such as the former carriageworks on North Road and the covered market.

The windows of the former carriageworks are currently being replaced but further work is needed to regenerate the historic property.

Mr Boggon said: “From a heritage point of view the remainder of the building is looking sad and dated and we’d like to replace external rendering and bring it back to what it should look like as a Grade 2 listed building.”

He said the covered market would need a lot of money spent on it to ensure it would be fit for purpose in the long term.

Mr Metcalfe said: “It’s a tricky balance between planned maintenance and regeneration and we have to make sure the infrastructure works – it needs significant investment.”

Councillor Ian Haszeldine said the market was part of the town’s heritage and said: “It’s a fascinating place to look around – it’s not just for shopping, it’s a work of art.”

The Crown Street Library was described as “another ageing building” in need of repair to rotting timbers.

The meeting heard that the council currently owns about 90 property assets with an estimated worth of about £200m, most of which are used for commercial or third sector interests.

A coach tour of the town’s assets may soon be arranged for councillors in response to a request from Councillor Charles Johnson.