Darlington Railway Station redevelopment officially opens

Work to transform Darlington Railway Station has been completed. Officially opened on 15 May 2026 the station now incorporates a new entrance and concourse to the east side of the railway tracks incorporating ticketing, waiting and retail areas. This will complement the existing historic station building which has been retained and refurbished as part of the overall £140 million development. The work also includes a 654 space multi storey car park, which brings together the current dispersed parking arrangement in one location, and landscaped public realm incorporating passenger drop-off and cycle storage.

The redevelopment will improve the region’s local and national transport links, tie the station more closely to town and upgrade the station’s services and accessibility for all people. Two new platforms have been created to accommodate additional services, improve the frequency and reliability of trains, and aid better connectivity along the East Coast Main Line and across the region. The station extension was officially opened by Rail Minister Lord Hendy who said the investment would “boost growth and jobs across the Tees Valley”.

Napper Architects designed the new entrance, concourse and multi storey car park which was constructed by Willmott Dixon.

“This is a major project for Darlington and the whole Tees Valley which will improve access both inside and outside our region and fits with the ambitions we have in our borough, including important developments taking shape in our town centre now.

We hope it shows what is possible when we work together – and it proves to be a great example of what we can achieve.”

Steve Harker, Leader of the Darlington Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport.