Darlington Station’s new concourse building is now complete, marking a key milestone in its £140M redevelopment.
- Construction of the eastern concourse was completed on time and within budget by Willmott Dixon.
- The concourse used 1,150 tonnes of British steel and involved over 114,000 man-hours of labour.
- Plans are underway to open retail units and passenger amenities by late 2025.
- The project, funded by several bodies, aims to enhance both capacity and economic growth in the region.
The completion of the new eastern concourse at Darlington Station signifies a major milestone in its £140 million redevelopment project, meticulously executed by Willmott Dixon. The project was completed on time and within budget, managed under the oversight of the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen marked this accomplishment during his attendance at the announcement event.
The extensive construction efforts utilised 1,150 tonnes of British steel and required over 114,000 man-hours, involving 901 dedicated staff. The structure itself reaches a height of 17.5 metres and marks the threshold for the next phase of development, as it is handed over to Network Rail. Thus begins the fitting out with retail spaces and passenger amenities, ensuring readiness for the planned opening in late 2025.
This redevelopment is part of a wider plan to transform Darlington Station by adding two more platforms, a large multi-storey car park for over 650 vehicles, and a transport interchange. Plans also include upgrades to the Western entrance. The new concourse will be connected to the historical station by an elevated walkway, a design that seeks to integrate the heritage of the Grade-II listed station with contemporary conveniences.
In close collaboration with Network Rail, LNER, and Darlington Borough Council, the rejuvenation effort includes the alleviation of capacity constraints by minimising train crossings at the East Coast Main Line. The initiative is poised to stimulate regional economic growth leveraging strategic infrastructure enhancement.
The upcoming phase of fitting out the concourse will be undertaken by Bam, concurrent with Willmott Dixon’s continued work on the car park and interchange. As preparations proceed for the installation of the elevated walkway, the comprehensive renovation is anticipated to culminate by the end of 2025.
Funding allocated to this substantial venture comprises a £43 million investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, supplemented by contributions from Network Rail and the Department for Transport totalling £96 million.
Luke Durston, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, hailed the project as a ‘handing of the baton’ moment, expressing gratitude to the Tees Valley Combined Authority for its pivotal role. He reaffirmed continued collaboration with key stakeholders throughout 2025, with aims to usher in enhanced train services by year’s end.
Willmott Dixon’s construction manager Simon Bywater expressed pride in their contribution, underlining the project’s impact on the local community through job creation and investments exceeding £14 million in local supply chains. His sentiments echo the commitment to community enrichment through infrastructural progress.
The leader of Darlington Borough Council, Steve Harker, also commented on the project’s significance, aligning its completion with the 200th anniversary of passenger railways, highlighting it as a fitting tribute to historical milestones.
The completion of Darlington Station’s new concourse is a step forward in enhancing regional transportation infrastructure and community growth.
