Plans for the multimillion-pound transformation of Darlington railway station took a step forward on Tuesday as the formal planning application was submitted to Darlington Borough Council.
The move comes just weeks after Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen unveiled new images for the scheme, which will improve the frequency and reliability of services as well as connectivity along the East Coast Main Line and to other regional stations.
The £100million redevelopment will pave the way for a new platform, entrance, station building and upgrades to its transport links.
Darlington Station’s overhaul has been spearheaded by Mayor Houchen who has provided a £25million investment to make sure the plans to transform Darlington station become a reality.
The major redevelopment will create three new platforms on the east side of the existing station to accommodate current and future services, a new station building and a footbridge linking the new platforms and building with the existing station.
An upgrade to the Victoria Road entrance and car park, pick up and drop off points on the western side of the station is planned, alongside new road layouts, wider pavements and improvements to walking and cycling access to make the station easier to reach.
Read more: Consultation underway on £100m redevelopment of Darlington Station
Mayor Houchen said “This redevelopment will help our businesses to thrive, improve freight links and attract new investment.
"A few weeks ago we unveiled what Darlington station could look like after this transformational upgrade, but it’s not just about pretty pictures, it’s about delivery.
“Today we took a major step closer to our vision, with the submission of the planning application for the station which, when complete, will give people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool the more reliable, frequent and faster services that they’ve been crying out for – and that they deserve."
Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet lead for Transport, said: “The sweeping curves of Bank Top station have welcomed countless visitors to our town, as well as being a symbol of home to Darlington residents returning from their travels.
“These exciting transformation plans are sympathetic to the station’s heritage, while also ensuring we will have a modern transport hub that’s fit for purpose for generations to come.”
Work is planned to be completed in time for 2025’s 200th anniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, recognising Darlington as the birthplace of the modern railway.
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