Benefits of new Darlington Railway Station praised

Council leaders have praised the work of the officials formerly in charge of the local authority, who helped draw up the initial idea for the major redevelopment several years ago. 

At the heart of the transformation is not just a shiny entrance building, as the current council leader put it, but better connectivity between the Tees Valley and the rest of the country. 

Significant work has taken place since the first spade entered the ground four years ago to ensure Darlington’s new transport hub is fit for the future. 

(Image: PETER REIMANN)

The £140m redevelopment has added two new platforms to the station alongside a new eastern concourse and entrance and a multi-storey car park for more than 650 cars.  

The idea was tabled up to 20 years ago amid growing concern that the station could be downgraded, meaning it could lose mainline services. Darlington is a key station along the East Coast Main Line, but the station’s platform and track layout have previously hindered any chances of improvements. 

“There was huge concern about the impact it would have on Darlington and the Tees Valley with fewer trains travelling here, reducing the number of people visiting for business or visiting friends and family,” said Steve Harker, council leader. 

After several meetings in the corridors of power at Westminster, the then council leader Bill Dixon successfully ensured the railway station was not under threat. “Clearly, the work they did provided the initial building blocks to where we are today,” added Cllr Harker. 

From early on in the building work, politicians said the project will boost the town’s image as the “gateway to the Tees Valley”, with the region’s mayor saying it could replicate the model seen at London’s Kings Cross station.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “For a long time, the station has been neglected and we need to make sure when people get off the train, whether it’s visiting for tourism or business, we set the right impression from the first moment – and Darlington station is going to play a key role in that.”

The overhaul is also intended to improve reliability and capacity on the East Coast Main Line, improving the frequency and reliability of trains along the line and across the region. 

Speaking on the eve of the opening, Cllr Harker told a council meeting: “The main benefits of the new station are not so much the shiny building, which is very visible and large, it is the changes that have been made to the platforms and track in and around the station. 

“As a result, there is a much greater capacity for mainline services, allowing more trains to stop at the station. Equally important for the Tees Valley is that it will allow for much more frequent and regular services into the region.”

The first opening of the redeveloped station comes a year after the historic 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, when numerous events were held to celebrate the region’s important role in the life of the railway. 

Cllr Harker added: “We have a new station that is fit for the future and signifies the importance of Darlington and the Tees Valley on the rail network and the wider country.”