AMBITIOUS plans to modernise a historic Victorian railway station are being unveiled this morning.

A multi-million pound scheme, to transform Darlington’s Bank Top station into a modern transport hub, will complete in time to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the railways, which is so synonymous with the town.

Darlington 2025 will feature a remodelling of the station as well as the creation of dedicated platforms for local connections and future high speed services.

The station will be at the heart of services connecting the East Coast mainline as well as becoming an integral part of the Government’s HS2 network and links to the Tees Valley.

Preserving the heritage of the station will be central to the £150 million investment in the town where the Stockton-Darlington Railway first ushered in the age of rail passenger transport.

Councillor Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council and chairman of the Tees Valley Transport Committee, said: “Our ambitious rail vision will maximise the economic potential of the Tees Valley, secure investment and create jobs.

“In 2025 we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern passenger railway in the Tees Valley and showcase, to visitors from across the world, the same ambition and ingenuity that positioned our region at the heart of industrial Britain. We hold the same convictions as our forebears, that fast efficient passenger and freight rail services are key to our future prosperity.”

The scheme, combined with a major upgrade to the Northallerton to Middlesbrough rail line and Middlesbrough station improvements, it will release the opportunity to provide better local rail services in the Tees Valley and better connect them into the National Rail Network.

David Brown, chief executive, Transport for North, said: “The development of Darlington 2025 is an excellent example of local areas working together to agree regional transport priorities. In developing a Strategic Transport Plan for the whole of the North, Transport for the North is building on this collaboration to agree and prioritise transport interventions at a pan-Northern level that can enable transformational economic growth. We recognise the importance of Darlington Station as a key rail gateway to Tees Valley and of the role that this region will play in realising the Northern Powerhouse.”

The project, which also includes plans for new commercial, residential and retail developments, will build on the £200m investment in the surrounding area, including the National Biologics Centre, Business Central and the Feethams leisure development.

Paul Griffiths, Phase 2b Development Director at HS2 said: “High speed trains stopping at Darlington opens up opportunities for jobs and regeneration, not just in the town centre, but across the wider Tees Valley.”

The programme is a collaboration between the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Darlington Council, working with Network Rail and Virgin Trains to develop a vision for the regeneration of the East Coast mainline at Darlington.

Details of the masterplan, which can be found at www.darlington2025.co.uk, will also be on display at the Dolphin Centre on Thursday, March 16 between 4pm and 7pm.