Darlington railway station has celebrated completion of a multi-million pound redevelopment.

The launch event marked the completion of one of the most significant station investments on the East Coast Main Line in recent years.

Work has included the creation of two new platforms on the Eastern side of the station and a new, fully accessible and enclosed footbridge linking them to the current  Grade II-listed station building. A new multi-storey car park has also provided spaces for more than 600 cars.  

Customers began using the news transformed station on 17 may following completion of the two-year project delivered by LNER, Network Rail, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough Council and the Department for Transport.

Rail minister, Lord Hendy, who opened the station, 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 £113m 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: “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.”

Tees Valley Combined Authority invested £45m in the project. Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said the scheme was “one of the most significant infrastructure project in the region in a generation”.

AECOM worked on the project as multidisciplinary designer and architect. Jo Streeten, managing director, buildings and places at AECOM, said: “This significant upgrade enhances national and local connectivity for people across the North-east, reinforcing Darlington’s historic role as the birthplace of the railways while delivering a modern, future-proofed transport hub.”

AECOM designed two new platforms and canopies, delivered while the existing station was operational, supporting the redevelopment of both station architecture and trackside rail infrastructure.

Central to the station is the new 50-tonne footbridge, where AECOM said it crafted balance between heritage and modern functionality.

“This project is a testament to how contemporary infrastructure can be sensitively designed to complement and celebrate the past while delivering a future-ready railway environment,” added Streeten.