THE first images of what Darlington's redeveloped train station could look like have been revealed.

Darlington's Bank Top station is in line for a £100million redevelopment, which it is hoped will be finished by December 2024.

The development will see three new platforms built to the east of the existing station, as well as a new station building, which is aimed at bringing more frequent services to the region.

A public consultation is underway ahead of a planning application being submitted in June.

An artist’s impression of what the redeveloped Darlington station could look like from Neasham Road

An artist’s impression of what the redeveloped Darlington station could look like from Neasham Road

Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “These are ambitious plans for an ambitious town, and I am delighted to share these now, alongside our partners.

"These are once in a generation changes that will help to support and drive our plans to make Darlington and the rest of the Tees Valley a place where people want to live, work and enjoy. The scale of works is huge and will see the areas around each side of the existing station totally transformed. It is important that our residents are able to consider what is planned and share their views.”

The scheme is being backed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which has given it £25m. Chancellor Rishi Sunak committed to fully funding the project in last year's budget.

An artists impression of Darlington Station

An artist's impression of Darlington Station

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said “The development of Darlington Station will be transformational for our region and is an essential part of my plan to give thousands of passengers from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool the faster, more frequent and better-quality services that they rightfully deserve.

“With the town set to host hundreds of staff from the Treasury and Department for International Trade, and as lockdown restrictions are lifted to allow travel for leisure as well as business, it is only right that we have a station that is fit-for-purpose with enhanced local services and links to London."

Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: "This investment in our mainline station will be a gateway to increased connectivity for our town.

"Increased connections through to Teesside, greater numbers of north/south trains and ready ourselves for the eastern leg of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse rail.

"Levelling up tranport in our region is just part of the massive investment that a Conservative council, Conservative MP and a Conservative mayor working together can and are delivering for our amazing town."

Some land adjacent to the station has already been acquired.

It is hoped work will be completed by the end of 2024 – in time for 2025’s 200th anniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The redevelopment will also include a footbridge to connect the new platforms with the existing building, an upgrade to the Victoria Road entranceway and car park, and pick up and drop off points on the western side of the station, as well as new road layouts, wider pavements and improvements to walking and cycling access, to make the station easier to get to.

A consultation is available at www.darlington.gov.uk.