Cramlington-based Compass Developments has completed restoration work on a Grade II listed building in Darlington town centre.
The work to refurbish the former home of a prominent Quaker family has been funded by the government’s Towns Fund, which allocated £23.3m to rejuvenate key parts of the town.
The building, at 156 Northgate, was bought by Darlington Borough Council in 2023 and is a key development in a wider scheme to regenerate the town centre.
Compass Developments was tasked with transforming a neglected four-storey building, the former home of the Robson family, into renovated office space.
The work included alterations to allow level access to the building, a new internal ramp and the demolition of a conservatory and external staircase. A full mechanical and electrical services installation was completed, along with extensive finishes and decoration throughout the building.
The building was constructed in the early 19th century and was used most recently as a bar and restaurant. Compass has retained many of the building’s original features to offer stylish and superior office space.
Ian Simpson, director at Compass, said: “We’re proud to have been working on this important project. It’s been great to bring such a notable building back to life – it had been neglected for too long.”
Based in Cramlington, Compass Developments delivers construction and development projects across commercial, industrial and residential sectors, specialising in schemes up to the £10 million mark. It provides full lifecycle support, including feasibility assessments, design management, project planning and construction delivery. Its growth in recent years has been fuelled by repeat business, long-term client partnerships and a reputation for transparent communication, practical problem-solving and consistent project outcomes.