Plans submitted to create offices Darlington St John Church

Wharton Construction hopes to “breathe new life” into the former St John Church in Darlington, which closed in 2023. 

Plans submitted to Darlington Borough Council detail the applicant’s bid to transform the Grade-II listed building into an “inspiring, contemporary workplace while honouring its ecclesiastical character and social history”. 

The Neasham Road building had served the community as a church for 173 years and is a well-known landmark in the town for its bulky square outline as it sits on the town centre’s highest spot at Bank Top.

How the redeveloped church building could look. (Image: Wharton Construction)

Wharton Construction said the proposed redevelopment would follow improvements at the Hippodrome Theatre, Business Central campus and the forthcoming railway station gateway.

By creating the shared working space, the applicant hopes to “foster a thriving community hub where office tenants can collaborate by supporting growing businesses”. 

The proposals include a change of use from church to office, the removal of redundant pews, the organ and associated fittings, and the introduction of a new mezzanine structure to provide additional floor area. 

New lifts, ramps and stair elements are proposed to improve accessibility. All significant architectural features would be retained and celebrated, Wharton Construction said. 

A planning statement adds: “The proposal represents a balanced and considered approach to heritage-led regeneration. Preserving the special architectural and historic interest of St John’s Church while enabling a viable new use that meets contemporary needs. 

“The development will secure the long-term future of the building, deliver clear social and economic benefits, and accord with both national and local planning policy, making it a positive and appropriate form of development.”

Darlington Borough Council will consider the planning application in due course.