The funding will support the provision 2,000 new homes, as well employment space and public facilities across the 307-acre site.

The project will be completed in tandem by Homes England alongside SME developer Hellens Group and Darlington Borough Council.

Phase one of construction – which includes the proposal for 750 homes and infrastructure – is set to progress through planning this year.

According to Homes England, the project will contribute to local growth by creating some 2,750 new jobs in Darlington through the construction of 200,000sq m of new employment space, a new primary school, and a community centre.

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The investment forms part of the government’s £1.3bn Land Assembly Fund, which funds the construction of new homes in underserved areas by overcoming local barriers to development like land contamination or new infrastructure.

Peter Denton, chief executive at Homes England, said: “The creation of Burtree Garden Village will play a transformative role in helping Darlington to achieve its significant growth ambitions, and we’re proud to be able to bring it a step closer to reality through funding vital infrastructure works.

“This is a great example of how we can support places with a clear vision and pipeline of delivery to unlock housing and regeneration opportunities and deliver on the government’s levelling up agenda.”