The Sir E D Walker Trust is a long-established charity that has provided housing for older people in the town for many years. It currently manages 55 one-bedroom almshouse bungalows, offering independent living accommodation within a close-knit community.
Following a review of its homes, the Trust has identified a need for significant investment to ensure the properties meet modern housing and accessibility standards and continue to support the changing needs of residents.
The Trust has selected Thirteen as its preferred partner to explore whether redevelopment of the site could provide modern, affordable and accessible homes while preserving the strong sense of community residents value.
At this stage, no decisions have been made and no plans have been agreed. The Trust is now seeking feedback from residents, which will help inform any future proposals.
Chair of the Sir E D Walker Trust Colin Price said: "The Trust has provided homes in Darlington for many years, and our responsibility is first and foremost to our residents. It's important to us that people have safe, warm homes where they can live independently.
"We've been looking carefully at the long-term future of the site. While the community remains incredibly important to us, the homes need significant investment to meet modern accessibility standards, and the scale of that investment is beyond what the Trust can provide on its own.
"That's why we're exploring whether working with Thirteen could provide a sustainable long-term solution that meets the current and future needs of residents while protecting the strong sense of community that we know our residents value.
"We understand this news may create uncertainty, and residents will naturally have questions about what it could mean for them. We're committed to listening carefully to what residents tell us, and their views will play a vital role in shaping any future plans."
Thirteen’s chief executive Matt Forrest said: "We're working with the Sir E D Walker Trust to explore how the long-term future can be secured for existing and future residents.
"This includes considering whether redevelopment could provide modern, accessible homes that better meet people's needs while protecting the close-knit community that makes the site so special.
"At this stage, no decisions have been made, and our priority is supporting the Trust as it listens to its residents. We know people will have questions, and it's important they have the opportunity to share their views and help shape any future proposals.
"If plans do progress, our role will be to provide high-quality, accessible homes while helping to support residents through each step of the process. For now, we're committed to working with the Trust and ensuring residents are kept informed, listened to and treated fairly."
Residents will continue to be kept updated as conversations progress, and any future proposals will be developed with their feedback.