Darlington Mowden Park RFC outlined its ambition to partner with other Tees Valley sports clubs to develop the site in the future.
The fourth division rugby union club confirmed it will continue to be based at the 25,500-seater stadium ahead of the upcoming season.
It is understood that potential future uses of the site include creating a multi-use sports facility combined with housing.
Darlington Borough Council said it “would encourage a solution that benefits the people of Darlington as well as all the sports clubs.”
The latest update comes amid growing speculation over the future of the stadium and the town’s sports clubs. In June, council leaders were urged to help find a new “secure home” for Darlington Football Club. The plea came as local Tories said the local authority must speed up and improve its support of local clubs and sports facilities.
The rugby club, which purchased Darlington Arena in 2012, also confirmed its revenue streams have grown after striking commercial rental deals within the stadium and the surrounding area, and it is in discussions with a developer.
In a statement to supporters ahead of the new season, Mowden Park said: “The Arena will remain our home and we are looking forward to welcoming new partners along the next chapter of this journey. Our vision includes reaching out to other Tees Valley sporting organisations to offer a partnership approach to growing the arena.”
Darlington Football Club previously announced ambitious plans to leave Blackwell Meadows and relocate to a purpose-built site elsewhere in the town with additional sports, retail, and hospitality facilities.
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However, plans to build a new facility, first revealed in May 2022, have faced severe delays due to financial and location issues. In May, the club’s chief executive, David Johnston, confirmed that plans for a new ground are at an advanced stage, with one preferred option in play — but bound by confidentiality agreements.
A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson added: “The council recognises and is supportive of the key role sustainable local sports clubs play in the community.
“Any proposal submitted regarding the future usage of this facility and site will be subject to due process.”
