RETAIL firm Debenhams has confirmed it is to take over The Northern Echo’s town centre offices in Darlington - ending the paper’s 140-year link to the site.

Consultation on the plans is expected to start within weeks and the 62,000sq ft department store is due to open by autumn 2014.

"I wish to reassure all of our readers, advertisers and staff that we remain absolutely committed to Darlington and we are working with Moorfield Real Estate to help us find a new home in Darlington for our business."

David Coates, managing director Newsquest (Yorkshire & North East) Ltd The 40,000sq ft newspaper office will form the majority of the store.

It is thought few changes will be made to the exterior, while the inside will be completely refitted.

The Priestgate office, which is also home to The Darlington and Stockton Times and Advertiser Series, has been the Echo’s home since its inception in 1869.

The first copy was published on January 1, 1870 and the existing building was created when the site was redeveloped in 1916.

Earlier this year, an option to buy the building was agreed by The Northern Echo’s publishers, Newsquest (Yorkshire and North-East) Ltd, and with the Moorfield Real Estate Fund, which is part of the group that owns Cornmill Shopping Centre.

Last autumn, Moorfield also acquired the Post Office building in Crown Street, another key site adjacent to the Cornmill.

The move will mean Debenhams will become the largest retail outlet based in the 220,000sq ft shopping centre, joining 40 other retailers, including high-street chains Primark, Next, New Look, Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins, WHSmith and Clarks.

David Coates, managing director of Newsquest (Yorkshire and North-East), said: “We are excited that it looks as if Debenhams will be coming to Darlington and we are pleased to be playing our part in that development.

“However, I wish to reassure all of our readers, advertisers and staff that we remain absolutely committed to Darlington and we are working with Moorfield Real Estate Fund to help us find a new home in Darlington for our business.

“The Northern Echo will continue to be at the heart of the local community.”

Susan Young, Cornmill shopping centre manager, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Debenhams to the Cornmill and Darlington because this will provide a positive boost to the retail on offer.

By having such a quality department store opening here, the Cornmill will benefit from additional footfall and shoppers staying locally, and will move Darlington up the North-East shopping hierarchy.”

Mark Holmes, investment and asset manager of Moorfield Real Estate Fund, said: “Debenhams is an extremely popular retailer and the commitment to Darlington is a tremendous endorsement of both the town and the Cornmill.

"We are delighted to be welcoming Debenhams to the centre as we continue to see strong demand for retail space.”