Detailed new images show future vision for historic Darlington railway station

New photorealistic images have been released showing what the interior of Darlington station will look like to passengers once the multi-million pound refurbishment is complete.

Work is well underway on the £140 million project to transform rail services in the North East through a comprehensive redevelopment of the East Coast Main Line station.

The huge project is all about carefully combining old with new. For example, inside the Victorian station, an accessible pedestrian bridge will be built over the tracks, leading passengers through an opening in the historic roof to two modern platforms, a brand new concourse and a parking garage.

CGI with view of Platform 1 and new staircase with historic clock in Darlington (Image: Network Rail)

Network Rail has released the architects’ detailed impressions to show how the new internal stairs, lifts and footbridges fit into their listed surroundings.

The new visualisations, created by the project’s design team, AECOM, show how their designs respect the station’s original features and architecture while making it fit for 21st century travel.

Luke Espin, lead sponsor of the project at Network Rail, said: “While it is great to see work really progressing in Darlington, sometimes it is difficult to see beyond the hoardings and construction sites.

CGI image showing what it will be like to walk across the new footbridge at Darlington station (Image: Network Rail)

“These new images do just that and we are delighted to share them with passengers and local communities so they can see what we all intend to do with this £140 million project to improve rail travel of the future.”

“We would like to thank people for their patience while we carry out these essential improvements in Darlington. We will continue to work closely with station operator LNER to ensure people are as comfortable as possible during the construction work.”

Mark McIntosh, Regional Director of Architecture and Design at AECOM, said: “Protecting and preserving the heritage of Darlington Station is a really important part of this regeneration project. The beauty of the station’s original designs has been a constant source of inspiration for our designers.

CGI image of the length of Platform 1 with a clear view of the new footbridge at Darlington Station (Image: Network Rail)

“We look forward to these detailed images becoming a reality in the near future as the phased implementation of the project continues while minimising disruption to passengers.”

The £140 million Darlington station expansion is a partnership project between Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority, station operator LNER, Darlington Borough Council and the Department for Transport.

Steve Wilson, LNER Stations Manager, said: “It’s great to see these new images showing how the project will give Darlington a station it can be proud of. The latest visualisations help bring things to life and illustrate even more clearly the scale of this exciting transformation.”

Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, said: “Darlington deserves a modern railway station to match its rising status and we have taken a leading role in making this project a reality.

CGI image shows platform 1 at Darlington station with new stairs and footbridge (Image: Network Rail)

“These latest images show a walkway that combines the best of old and new – and it will connect the vibrant new concourse and two important new platforms to the larger station.

“We are helping to create thousands of new jobs in the city and across the region. This project is really important to reduce travel times and ensure we get more services both here and further afield to improve access to these well-paying jobs.”

The extensive modernisation work at Darlington station is being carried out on two main construction sites.

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• On site one, the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) has invested £36 million in building a new concourse and car park to the east of the Grade II listed station. These works are nearing completion and will be handed over to Network Rail in the coming months by TVCA contractor Wilmott Dixon, who will then take over the fit-out.

• The second site will see Network Rail and the Department for Transport invest £98 million in building two new platforms, new tracks, a new railway facility and signalling systems to improve rail connections and services across the North East, as well as building an accessible connecting bridge from the existing station building to the new concourse in phase one.

More information on the expansion of Darlington station Click here.