28.01.20
Bid submitted for £100m Darlington station regeneration
Tees Valley Combined Authority has submitted a bid to government for the funds needed to ‘dramatically overhaul’ Darlington railway station.
Announced by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen yesterday (Jan 27), the business case for the redevelopment project could be made a reality with government investment of up to £100m.
£25m had already been earmarked by the Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority to deliver the ambitious station plans, set to be put to Darlington Borough Council for approval next week.
Providing a commitment of government funding is secured, the new regeneration will also create new train platforms to futureproof the station for HS2 services.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“Today we have submitted our fully worked-up case for Darlington station to the Department of Transport. This is a major step forward in delivering this vital project, a project that will make travel to, from and around the Tees Valley easier and better than ever.
“I’ve already committed £25million to kick-start the work, but there is still more to be done. Now it’s down to Whitehall to put its money where its mouth is and invest in these much-needed improvements.
“Our plan to transform Darlington station would cut journey times, improve regional transport links and give visitors an incredible welcome to the area. I’ve been making the case for Darlington station from day one and I’ll continue to push for these critical improvements until spades are in the ground.”
Other enhancements include improving the area surrounding the station and better entrances for passengers.
The upgraded station will allow for faster, more frequent services in Tees Valley and unlock capacity in the area.
Freight connections from Teesport are also set to benefit from the project, as well as preparations for high-speed services and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The board is made up of the Tees Valley Mayor, officials and elected members of the Combined Authority and Darlington Borough Council, and project partners including Network Rail, LNER and Homes England.