New images revealed of planned £100 million Darlington railway station revamp

Regeneration bosses have revealed fresh images of a planned £100 million railway station revamp they say will dramatically improve national connections.

The proposed new-look Darlington Station will include extra platforms and a transport interchange.

Officials say the improvements, which are backed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority with £25 million, will improve national links via the East Coast Main Line, as well as access to local stations.

The work, earmarked for completion by December 2024, will add three platforms on the station’s existing east side to accommodate current and additional services.

An upgrade to the Victoria Road entrance and car park is also planned, as are new road layouts and pick up and drop off points and wider pavements.

Mayor Houchen said: “The development will be transformational for our region and is an essential part of my plan to give thousands of passengers from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool the faster, more frequent and better-quality services they rightfully deserve.

The proposed improvements to Darlington Station – known locally as Bank Top – include an upgraded Victoria Road entrance and car park, pictured above

“With the town set to host hundreds of staff from the Treasury and Department for International Trade, and as lockdown restrictions are lifted to allow travel for leisure as well as business, it is only right we have a station that is fit-for-purpose with enhanced local services and links to London.

“It’s pointless creating good-quality, well-paid jobs if hard working local people cannot easily get around the region.

“Increasing the frequency of services and train routes, and making the station better to use than ever, will make sure local people can take full advantage of jobs, training and education opportunities, while the modern station helps attract even more investment to our area.”

Bosses say they hope to conclude construction work in time for 2025’s 200^thanniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which will recognise Darlington as the cradle of the modern railway.

Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “These are ambitious plans for an ambitious town.

“They are once-in-a-generation changes that will help support and drive our plans to make Darlington and the rest of the Tees Valley a place where people want to live, work and enjoy.”