Darlington Arts Centre

Darlington Arts Centre was constructed in 1876 as Darlington College of Education, a teacher training college founded by the British & Foreign School Society. Designed by James Pigott Pritchett, the building occupies a prominent position in the town centre, sharing a block with the former Grammar School. The original structure was on an H-plan with north and south wings, built in the Gothic style, of red brick with sandstone dressings and slate under pitched roofs. Over the years the building has had several additions and alterations, including the West Wing in 1903, and the new gymnasium and art room block in 1911. In 1976, Darlington Arts Association was formed, its purpose to establish an arts centre for the town. In 1978 the College finally closed. By this time, the growth and expansion of the college buildings made it an attractive venue for an Arts Centre. In 1982, the Arts Centre opened with the main hall, etc. adapted to a well-raked auditorium; stage with apron and adaptable proscenium. The entrance hall and other areas were adapted to a large foyer with bistro, a large ballroom, a shop and ancillary rooms. The Myles Meehan Gallery, adjoining the reception area, opened the following year. Alterations and improvements were made continually thereafter. In 2001 ownership of the building was finally transferred to Darlington Borough Council. A refurbishment programme was completed in 2007 which provided improved facilities, including a new Studio Theatre space, and dressing rooms with full disabled access. The foyer was refurbished, step-free access to the Garden Bar was made possible, and the Lounge Gallery was added as a community gallery, providing exhibition space for local artists. Darlington Arts Centre was a thriving cultural centre, with a popular and varied programme of theatre, film, music, comedy, visual arts and other community activities, workshops and education. The centre was also home to the National Association of Youth Theatres and Hullabaloo Theatre Company. In the 2010 Character Appraisal, the building was identified as one of local interest. This, and its incorporation in the West End Conservation Area, provides the building with protection against demolition. However, cuts to Council funding forced the Council to withdraw its subsidy for the Arts Centre, leading to its closure on 7 July 2012. In July 2013 it was announced that the building would be put on the market. In 2014 Theatre Hullabaloo and the Council announced plans for replacement children's theatre.