Funding for Darlington railway station

Chancellor confirms funding for £105m redevelopment of Darlington railway station

Chancellor Rishi Sunak used his Spring Budget to announce that the Darlington railway station redevelopment will be approved and fully funded. “I’ve been making the case for Darlington station from the day I was elected, and we now have the money to deliver, but I will not rest until I see spades in the ground.

The government’s confirmation that it would commit £80 million to the station followed months of discussions between the Department for Transport (DfT), the Treasury and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who emphasised the importance of the upgrade for improving rail travel in the North East. The funding is additional to a £25 million investment to help to deliver the vision for the station, amid hopes that this will unlock local capacity around the region. “We’re making sure our roads and public transport works for all our towns and villages and we are making good progress.” High hopes for long-awaited revamp It is hoped that the station’s redevelopment will help to significantly improve local and national rail services, in addition to futureproofing the station for HS2 services in the years ahead.

Included in the plan are a new local station and train platforms at Darlington station. This will bring about a more than 300% increase in rail capacity from the current two trains an hour across the region, to as many as eight possible trains an hour. “A key building block to improving rail travel” Mayor Houchen commented: “I am thrilled the Chancellor has backed this £105m scheme at Darlington station, which is essential to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool getting better rail services. Something that is badly needed across our area. “The plan to improve Darlington station is a key building block to improving rail travel not just in Darlington, but across the whole of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. “This long overdue project will put more trains on the local lines, cut journey times, improve regional transport links and give visitors an incredible welcome to the area. The fabric of the station will also see improvements as part of the scheme, encompassing improved entrances and the regeneration of the wider area surrounding the station. The completion of the station upgrade will allow for better freight connections from Teesport, while preparing the station for high-speed services and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stated: “I’ve seen for myself the investment needed at Darlington station. “Thanks to the championing of Ben Houchen and Peter Gibson, I’m pleased that the Chancellor announced today this project is moving ahead. “This project will help open up connectivity across the North.”

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