Page 8 - 367774 LP249093 Darlington Magazine 40pp A5 (October 2022)

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Cleveland Bridge - what will become of the old site?
The Cleveland Bridge site in Darlington has a new owner - and he’s got big plans!
The Adhan Group acquired the site when it closed, planning to star t an “extensive refurbishment”, and split the 30 acre site into smaller units, creating an industrial park for business.
Under New Management
However, the site was swiftly sold on to Mohammed Asjad, who has a number of business interests in the North West. In October 2021, he became the Managing Director of Darlington Investments, set up to work with the Cleveland Bridge administrators and now the owner of the site.
While the Adhan Group’s plan to divide the site made sense due to its size, Mr Asjad is looking to close in on a single buyer, who will be interested in using the whole 395,000 sq ft.
Currently, a tenant is in talks with Mr Asjad. The company is a large local employer, though Mohammed has pointed out that the team are open to the idea of allowing some smaller industrial users to use the space as well.
Right now, the larger company has expressed interest in taking up two-thirds of the site, though Mr Asjad is encouraging the employer to take on the entire space. He is working closely with Darlington Borough Council to get the best possible outcome.
No matter which way the deal goes, Mr Asjad’s goal is to bring as much employment to Darlington as possible.
Collaborating With The Council
Darlington Borough Council have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the site has the brightest and best future possible, bringing as many opportunities to Darlington as it can.
It seems like splitting the site up to create a new business park is the most likely outcome, given the economic pressures on both Adhan Group and Darlington Investments, and both parties believe 20 tenants would be possible.
The impact of Cleveland Bridge and the large-scale employment brought to Darlington may not return, but it stands to remain a place where careers can be built and entrepreneurs can start businesses that will be underpinned in Darlington’s economy for generations.
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