Club's new stadium plans hit by delays as land sold

The Quakers want to leave Blackwell Meadows

A football club's plans to build a new stadium have faced further delays due to a relegation battle and one of the desired sites being sold.

Darlington FC announced in 2022 its plans to leave Blackwell Meadows and relocate to a purpose-built site elsewhere in the town.

It was initially planned to be built in time for the 2024-25 season but the project has been repeatedly delayed.

Chief executive David Johnston said he "backed off" during the relegation battle, adding: "I’m not going to commit to something if we’re playing in the league below.”

The comments were made after the team secured survival in the National League North.

Reflecting on how the club’s performance on the pitch had affected progress with the ground, he said: “It’s quite complex, it’s still ongoing. It’s frustrating for me."

'A fourth option'

Mr Johnston revealed that one site identified by the club, on land within the large-scale Skerningham development, was purchased by a different company.

Land at Faverdale is understood to be one of the other options, while other sites are also being explored.

“The company we were talking to about purchasing the land didn’t get it,” he said.

“The other site is still available, but there’s also a third option and we do have a fourth option.”

The Darlington club's ambitions is for the new site to include additional sports, retail and hospitality facilities, with a capacity of between 5,000 and 8,000.

Training facilities which will be rented out to clubs, schools and the community are also set to be included to help provide a sustainable and regular income stream for the Quakers, which became fan-owned in 2012.

Further meetings with developers are planned over the coming weeks.