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Search the Public Notice PortalHundreds of people flocked to Darlington railway station today to get a first glimpse of the new extension, part of a £160m upgrade hailed as a new chapter for one of Britain’s most historic rail towns.
Excited crowds gathered on the new eastern side of the station this morning (May 15) to see the long-awaited transformation project. Visitors were among the first to step inside the spacious new concourse, cross the fully accessible bridge and explore the two additional platforms.
The launch also saw LNER Azuma train 'Darlington' arrive at the new platform five before taking guests on a special inaugural journey to York. On board, there was live musical entertainment and refreshments as passengers marked the opening.
Back at the station, the famous steam locomotive Tornado, built in Darlington, stood on the new platform six, providing a pivotal link to the town’s pioneering railway heritage.
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy said the redevelopment was about far more than just the new station itself.
She said: “This absolutely cements it with the connectivity that we need, £160 million, and so many hours and hours of work. I just want to pay tribute to everybody who has put so much graft into this.
“I think it's really important because for visitors and for investors, this is going to mark us out as a place to come and visit and enjoy and build.
“But for residents, what it's going to do is unlock new adventures and make sure that we get the economic opportunities and the growth that we so desperately need and absolutely deserve.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, whose combined authority invested £45m in the scheme, said the project had been years in the making.
He said: “We first started talking about this project at the end of 2017. I don't think we thought that it would take this long to get to where we are today, but as Lord Hendy (the Rail Minster) said, sometimes these things take a little bit longer than they should, but we got there in the end.
“The opening of the station marks a new chapter for one of the country’s most historic railway towns. This is the best gateway into the best region in the country.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy officially opened the station, describing the scheme as a blueprint for the future of Great British Railways.
He said: “Darlington’s station redevelopment with the new platforms is a great example of what the future of Great British Railways holds, essential upgrades making journeys easier, more reliable and better connected as we move towards a railway that puts passengers first.”
The project, delivered by LNER, Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and the Department for Transport, includes a new concourse, lifts and escalators, and a multi-storey car park with more than 600 spaces.
Among those attending were Louise, 59, and Simon Nicholson, 66, from Darlington, members of the Friends of The Stockton & Darlington Railway group.
Louise said: “It’s so exciting to be part of this. They’ve made such a lovely occasion of this. They could have just done a few speeches but to be part of the first train journey to York from the new station is really special.”
Musical performances from The Royal Regiment of the Fusiliers band and Durham Music Service to name a few entertained visitors and added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Peter Elcoat, warrant officer class one and bandmaster of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “It feels very special to be part of the celebrations today and it is always a privilege to play representing the regiment and the band.”
Read more
See inside Darlington Railway Station’s new £140m extension as it officially opens
LIVE- Darlington railway station officially opens after major redevelopment
Opening date for Darlington Railway Station's new £140m eastern concourse revealed
The official opening date for passengers will be this Sunday (May 17), with people being urged to check their journeys and allow extra time as trains begin using the revamped layout and new platforms.
You can follow along on our live blog to find out all the latest updates about the opening: LIVE- Darlington railway station multi-million pound upgrade | The Northern Echo
What are your thoughts about the new upgraded station?
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