Celebrations as Darlington’s New Multi-Million Pound Station Prepares To Welcome First Customers

The launch event marked the completion of one of the most significant station investments on the East Coast Main Line in recent years. Guests were given an exclusive first look at the station’s impressive new facilities and Great British Railways branding ahead of its official opening on Sunday, 17 May. 

The centrepiece of the celebrations saw the Azuma train ‘Darlington’ – named during the national Railway 200 celebrations last year – arrive at the brand-new Platform 5 before taking guests on a special inaugural journey to York. The platform will primarily be used by services connecting the town with London King’s Cross and destinations across the East Coast Main Line. 

The occasion also paid tribute to Darlington’s railway legacy, with guests able to view the famous steam locomotive ‘Tornado’ on the new Platform 6. Built at Darlington Works, the locomotive reflected the town’s enduring place at the heart of Britain’s railway history. 

The station celebrates a new phase for the railway, with the majority of operators now under public ownership. Great British Railways branding featured throughout the station, showing how the rail network is being brought together to work as one organisation, ending years of fragmentation and delivering a joined-up railway for the first time in decades.   

From Sunday 17 May, customers will begin using the transformed station following completion of the two-year project delivered by LNER, Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and the Department for Transport. 

The station was officially opened by Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, who 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.   
 
“With £113 million of Government backing, this investment will boost growth, jobs and homes across the Tees Valley and the North East, and paves the way for stronger links across the North, with Darlington providing a critical gateway to the North East.” 

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Welcoming customers into the new Darlington Station on Sunday will be a significant moment. More than 200 years after the railway story began in Darlington, this transformation marks an exciting new chapter for the town and its people. 

“Darlington is now the fastest‑growing station on the LNER network, with more and more customers choosing to travel from here each year.” 

As well as two new platforms, the transformation includes a spacious eastern concourse and a fully accessible bridge linking to the existing Grade II-listed station building. 

Customers will benefit from a range of modern facilities, including new retail outlets, customer information screens featuring British Sign Language interpretation, an LNER Travel Centre, and a multi-storey car park with more than 600 spaces, including accessible bays and electric vehicle charging points. New cycle routes and secure bike shelters have also been introduced. 

To improve accessibility across the station, multiple lifts, escalators and stairways have been installed, while LNER colleagues will continue to provide assistance for anyone requiring additional support. 

Tees Valley Combined Authority invested £45 million in the project. Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: “Our transformation of Darlington Station is one of the most significant infrastructure projects for our region in a generation. It will deliver improved rail services, provide modern facilities for passengers and ensure the station is fit for the demands of the 21st century.  

“Crucially, this investment will also help in strengthening our connections to London and the rest of the UK, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and opening up new opportunities for local people.” 

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “The improvements are fantastic and will make a real difference to the many passengers that travel to and from Darlington station each day. We’re proud of the collaborative effort that’s gone into delivering this project and we’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience and support throughout.” 

For the opening event, musical entertainment was provided by young brass musicians from Durham Music Service, which supports children and young people across Darlington and County Durham. Guests also enjoyed performances from award-winning Darlington singer-songwriter Hayley McKay and North East folk musician Billy Mitchell, known for his work with Lindisfarne and the Pitmen Poets. Hayley and Billy appeared through their links with Sunday for Sammy, the North East charity supporting emerging creative talent across the region. 

From Sunday 17 May, as the additional platforms and station building open to customers, travellers are encouraged to allow extra time for journeys from Darlington station and are advised to check their journeys, as trains may now depart from different platforms. 

Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council said: "The changes to the platforms and track at Darlington railway station benefits both mainline and local Tees Valley services. More mainline services can stop at Darlington per hour than before.  And it means we can have a more regular and predictable timetable for local services into the Tees Valley.”