A significant milestone has been reached in the £140 million transformation of Darlington Station with the completion of the new Eastern Concourse building.
Constructed by Tees Valley Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority, the new concourse building was delivered on time and on budget. The building was handed over to Network Rail, paving the way for the next phase of development, which will see it fitted out with shops and amenities and ready to welcome passengers in late 2025.
This is the latest step in the wider redevelopment of Darlington Station, which includes the addition of two new platforms, a multi-storey car park, a transport interchange, and an improved Western entrance.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, “This transformative project will provide Darlington passengers with the station they deserve while helping to boost the number of services we’re able to provide across our region and securing national rail links to and from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“We look forward to progress continuing at pace and for the full transformation project being finished next year as we celebrate 200 years of the railways.”
The redevelopment is a collaborative effort between Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, Network Rail, LNER, and Darlington Borough Council, aiming to blend the station’s historic charm with modern facilities.
The new Eastern Concourse will connect to the historic station via an elevated walkway. The project is expected to unlock capacity constraints and support economic growth in the region.
Work on the new concourse building was undertaken by Willmott Dixon, while BAM is responsible for the fit-out phase. Willmott Dixon continues to work on the multi-storey car park and transport interchange.
The wider station overhaul is on track for completion by the end of 2025. Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority has contributed £43 million to the project, while Network Rail and the Department for Transport have provided £96 million.
Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said: “This is a real ‘handing of the baton’ moment in the £140m transformation of Darlington station. We thank Tees Valley Combined Authority for the best start possible in our joint race to bring a better train service to the region and build state-of-the-art station facilities for passengers.
“We’ll be working closely with LNER, Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority throughout 2025 while we fit-out the Eastern Gateway Building, build the new platforms, fully accessible link-bridge and install railway lines and signalling systems with the aim of bringing them into service by the end of next year.”
Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It’s great to see the station transformation project coming to life. With the completion of the work next year when we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of passenger railways, it’s a timely tribute the events of 1825. I look forward to seeing the work continue to take shape.”
Steve Wilson, Head of Stations at LNER, said: “This project will give Darlington a station it can be proud of. It’s particularly fitting that the work being carried out to transform Darlington Station is due to complete towards the end of 2025, when a nationwide celebration is taking place to mark 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825 – a journey that truly changed the world.”
Simon Bywater, construction manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re enormously proud to have worked alongside Tees Valley Combined Authority to deliver this modern and vibrant gateway to Darlington.
“Our local team have completed more than 25 projects for the people of the Tees Valley, and Darlington Station Gateway showcases our ongoing commitment to changing lives and creating opportunities for local people.
“In addition to new local jobs, apprenticeships and training weeks, we have invested more than £14m with local supply chain businesses making this a project built for the people of Darlington by the people of Darlington.”
Concourse Factfile
• 1,150 Tonnes of British Steel used in construction
• 114,423 hours and 41 minutes of work to complete
• 901 staff members employed on project
• 17.5 metres high
