Darlington United

[r00fie1]

Not particularly knowledgable of grounds around Darlo closer than Bishop Auckland or Shildon - is there nowhere they can share - closer to the town and look to building up a proper ground again - without the extortionate costs.
Hows about Stone Park or Park Lane Car Park?

 

[Muttley]

I know that as of the beginning of this year the football club announced that it was in discussions to build a new purpose built stadium holding 5000-8000 fans. Locations were vague "the north of the town". A stadium holding up to 8k is much more likely to be affordable and maintainable for the club and as long as there is space around it then I could imagine that something to hold 15k could be achievable. 25k was a stretch. The town is home to 93k people. There isn't much of a potential catchment area outside the town that doesn't have football loyalties to Boro, Sunlun or Mags (and much of the town myself included is already spoken for). Barnard Castle perhaps (pop less than 6k).

That said Darlo is growing, lots of building, including that adjacent to the Arena but also along the northern limits of the town and to the west. But the way that the town centre is dying they might want to think of putting the football club back into the heart of the town. As it's Friday night and I'm at a loose end here's a couple of possible locations


Location 1, is the old Skipper's car sales site now a largely unused car park, probably a bit tight for facilities.
Location 2 is the location of the old Marks and Spenser store and several others at this end of town probably only half the units are occupied and the others never will be again. So do a "Stockton" and knock it all down should fit a nice 10k stadium there. Easy transport links lots of car parking and on all bus routes, easy walk from the station etc.

 

[zzzzz]

Born and bred in Darlo and I'd defend the people forever but it's one of the biggest shyteholes I've ever been to in my life.
Another place that real investment has bypassed for decades despite having high profile MPs over the years.

 

[Theyalwaysletyoudown]

Born and bred in Darlo and I'd defend the people forever but it's one of the biggest shyteholes I've ever been to in my life.
Another place that real investment has bypassed for decades despite having high profile MPs over the years.

You've not been to many shyteholes if you think Darlo is one of the worst. It's not brilliant by any means but there's far worse. And it's punching above it's weight for investment currently I'd say.

 

[fmttmadmin]

You've not been to many shyteholes if you think Darlo is one of the worst. It's not brilliant by any means but there's far worse. And it's punching above it's weight for investment currently I'd say.

Absolutely so. They are really making an effort to draw people in with free live music and other events on weekends etc. Seems to be working to an extent and helps with still having a Binns etc people talk about driving over to Darlo on a Saturday. It does look nice now in the centre.

 

[junos_boots]

Absolutely so. They are really making an effort to draw people in with free live music and other events on weekends etc. Seems to be working to an extent and helps with still having a Binns etc people talk about driving over to Darlo on a Saturday. It does look nice now in the centre.

Used to travel regularly to go to the odeon as it was a great traditional cinema. When there I used to have a stroll round the town and the road behind the main high street with its little alleyways was always interesting. Sadly havent been for over a year now - go to cineworld instead due to its ease of access (just dont try to get back to Thornaby centre on public transport after an evening showing)

 

[NYboro]

I know that as of the beginning of this year the football club announced that it was in discussions to build a new purpose built stadium holding 5000-8000 fans. Locations were vague "the north of the town". A stadium holding up to 8k is much more likely to be affordable and maintainable for the club and as long as there is space around it then I could imagine that something to hold 15k could be achievable. 25k was a stretch. The town is home to 93k people. There isn't much of a potential catchment area outside the town that doesn't have football loyalties to Boro, Sunlun or Mags (and much of the town myself included is already spoken for). Barnard Castle perhaps (pop less than 6k).

That said Darlo is growing, lots of building, including that adjacent to the Arena but also along the northern limits of the town and to the west. But the way that the town centre is dying they might want to think of putting the football club back into the heart of the town. As it's Friday night and I'm at a loose end here's a couple of possible locations
View attachment 63395

Location 1, is the old Skipper's car sales site now a largely unused car park, probably a bit tight for facilities.
Location 2 is the location of the old Marks and Spenser store and several others at this end of town probably only half the units are occupied and the others never will be again. So do a "Stockton" and knock it all down should fit a nice 10k stadium there. Easy transport links lots of car parking and on all bus routes, easy walk from the station etc.

Location 1 is where the Treasury building is going.

 

[NYboro]

Absolutely so. They are really making an effort to draw people in with free live music and other events on weekends etc. Seems to be working to an extent and helps with still having a Binns etc people talk about driving over to Darlo on a Saturday. It does look nice now in the centre.

There's been lots on over the summer, culminating in the R&B weekender today and tomorrow. So many bands I want to see tomorrow, I'm going to have to make difficult choices.

 

[r00fie1]

Football is and always was "at the heart" of the community in every town.
When a town loses its ground and its football team, it loses part of its soul.
Sticking a concrete bowl next to a by-pass isnt the answer.
Football grounds are community hubs - just look at how much Boro and surrounding area made out of The Arctic Monkeys concert.
There`s spaces in Darlo to put one right back in the middle of the public transport network.
It would help revitalise the town - not just the football club.
All it needs is the political will from the Town`s "leaders".
Anyone.....?

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

Football is and always was "at the heart" of the community in every town.
When a town loses its ground and its football team, it loses part of its soul.
Sticking a concrete bowl next to a by-pass isnt the answer.
Football grounds are community hubs - just look at how much Boro and surrounding area made out of The Arctic Monkeys concert.
There`s spaces in Darlo to put one right back in the middle of the public transport network.
It would help revitalise the town - not just the football club.
All it needs is the political will from the Town`s "leaders".
Anyone.....?

in our concrete bowl on the outskirts of town next to the A66

 

[r00fie1]

in our concrete bowl on the outskirts of town next to the A66

Not quite.
10 mins walking distance to the railway station and 15 into town.

 

[zzzzz]

You've not been to many shyteholes if you think Darlo is one of the worst. It's not brilliant by any means but there's far worse. And it's punching above it's weight for investment currently I'd say.

Aside from the non existent treasury move - believe Tory spin if you want - where's this investment

 

[zzzzz]

Absolutely so. They are really making an effort to draw people in with free live music and other events on weekends etc. Seems to be working to an extent and helps with still having a Binns etc people talk about driving over to Darlo on a Saturday. It does look nice now in the centre.

I wouldnt call free music events a huge investment in the area, but better than nothing for sure.
Whats the 'etc' after Binns?