Railway station's new concourse complete

Luke Durston (Network Rail), Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, councillor Steve Harker and Steve Wilson of LNER hold a blue banner reading Darlington Station On Track, with a train on it, inside the new concourse. It is a large circle building with panels on the ceiling and tall windows.
Adding shops will be the next stage of the project [Tees Valley Combined Authority]

The refurbishment of a railway station is on track as a new concourse has been completed.

The new Eastern concourse will connect to the Grade II listed Darlington station by an elevated walkway.

The next stage of the £140m redevelopment, which will see shops being added, will now begin.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "This is a major moment in the redevelopment of Darlington Station and we are proud to be handing over the Eastern Concourse Building right on time."

He added the refurbishment would give Darlington passengers the station "they deserve" and help boost the number of services.

The project, which is being delivered through a partnership of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA), Network Rail, LNER and Darlington Borough Council, is due to be completed in late 2025.

Network Rail's Luke Durston said the completion of the concourse was a "real 'handing of the baton' moment".

Luke Durston (Network Rail), councillor Steve Harker, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, and Steve Wilson (LNER) observe progress on the two new platforms. They are pictured from the back. Mr Durston is pointing at the building works. Tracks are being laid out and there is machinery. A blue  train is passing by.
Two new platforms are also being built as part of the redevelopment [Tees Valley Combined Authority]

The station redevelopment also includes two new platforms, a multi-storey car park and a transport interchange.

The TVCA has contributed £43m to the overhaul and Network Rail and the Department for Transport have funded £96m.

Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport, said the completion of the work next year - which marks the 200th anniversary of the railways - would be "a timely tribute the events of 1825".

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