A RAILWAY station is set to receive a multi-million-pound upgrade as a rail operator increases services to London.

Eaglescliffe railway station will receive £8m to 'kick-start' the creation of a new access point, a fully accessible pedestrian footbridge and around 120 car parking spaces.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who signed off the funding this week, said Arriva's Grand Central service had already 'shown its support' for the station.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Houchen said: “Grand Central has shown its support for the station, with increased services to the capital and some major ongoing building work to make it better than ever."

The second access point will create access from land adjacent to the Durham Lane Industrial Estate potentially unlocking the ability for thousands of future passengers using the station.

Mr Houchen said: “But currently, if you’re at Durham Lane, it’s a ten-minute drive to the station – and if you’re taking the train it’s unlikely that you want to use a car to get there.

"That seems absurd for a station that backs right on to an area where thousands of local people live and work, and which is home to some of our biggest businesses, such as Nifco.

“Direct access will not only make it easier for local people to get around Tees Valley and to London, it will unlock vital capital connectivity for our businesses and to investors looking to locate to our region.”

Recently elected Stockton South MP, Matt Vickers described the upgrade funding as a 'big win' for the Tees Valley, and said it would ease congestion into the station during busy periods.

He said: "This announcement represents a big win for the patch and something that I have been campaigning on for quite some time now.

"Improved access will really enhance passenger experience, the potential to ease congestion in Eaglescliffe, make the site accessible for disabled users and connect our global business park directly with other major cities.

"This investment will make everyday life better for local people and unlock connectivity for local businesses too."

Near the railway station, Nifco and Tata Global Beverages - which produces Tetley Tea for the UK - have premises on the Durham Lane Industrial Estate.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: “This prime industrial site is already an ideal location for businesses and providing it with direct access to Eaglescliffe station, with its connection to London, will only enhance its chances of attracting new businesses to set up home there.

“We already have big industrial leaders like Nifco and Tata Global Beverages on the Durham Lane site and we continue to see plenty more businesses wanting to come to Stockton-on-Tees. I am excited to see what the future holds.”

The land purchase, which would be paid for with money from the Combined Authority’s Indigenous Growth Fund, is subject to approval by Full Council in February.