House of Fraser set to close Darlington store after 103 years

House of Fraser has announced the closure of its Darlington shop, ending a retail presence of about 103 years; Darlington Borough Council called the news disappointing and said it will offer appropriate support as details emerge.

House of Fraser has announced it will close its Darlington store after more than a century in the town. The company had previously indicated plans to close the branch in 2024 before a temporary reprieve. Planning permission was recently granted to redevelop the former Binns building on High Row. Darlington Borough Council described the announcement as disappointing and said it will offer appropriate support as details become known. What is known: - The store has traded in Darlington for about 103 years. - This is the second time the retailer has announced plans to close the Darlington branch; an earlier closure was delayed in 2024. - The retailer's lease for the site is due to expire in March 2026. - Darlington Borough Council said the closure will be a loss for the town centre and that it will provide any relevant support. Summary: The closure marks the end of a long-standing retail presence and represents a notable change for Darlington's high street. The council response has been announced, and the lease expiry in March 2026 is the next scheduled date mentioned.