Earlier this year, The Book and Film Exchange on Victoria Road was emptied of its books and furniture, leaving questions over its future in the town.
The bookshop had been a staple on the street for decades, with its extensive displays often spilling books onto the street and catching the eyes of commuters on their way to Darlington Station.
Back in February, The Northern Echo was unable to confirm whether the store had permanently closed, despite Google stating it had shut for good.
It also followed rumours online that the venue – which had previously been branded a “section of paradise” – had closed.
However, plans lodged with and recently approved by Darlington Borough Council have now confirmed that the shop was vacant as of May.
How the bookshop looked in February (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Now, a new black aluminium shopfront will be installed to replace the “dilapidated” single-glazed timber frame. Both doors will remain.
The council’s delegated report details how the existing front was “tired and in need of refurbishment” and so the replacement was “welcomed”.
It said: “The design is considered to be reflective of the current shop frontage and the proposed materials would also be considered permissible.
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“The choice of colour is similar to the existing situation and the aluminium material is considered suitable for this relatively traditional styled shop frontage.
“Whilst the windows may be replaced with double glazed units, this is not considered to unduly detract from the character of this shop frontage.”
Plans were approved on July 23.