Huge boost for one of UK’s cheapest towns as £140m spent on train station

A town that was home to the and is now one of the cheapest places to buy a home in England is getting a £140m boost – in the shape of a refurbished train station.

in the , was once a major centre for railway manufacturing. However, the fortunes of this historic town, which is more than 1,000 years old, have floundered since its industrial heyday – and by 2017 Darlington was considered to be among the

Despite ongoing gentrification, regeneration and levelling up efforts, in this north east town remain low compared to the rest of the country. Last year, the overall average price according to website Rightove was £164,786 – well below the the UK average of £282,000.

However, despite its deprivation, Darlington was named the 7th in a 2015 – partly thanks to its cheap property prices and high employment rates. Its vibrant cultural scene – with an annual Arts Festival and a wide-ranging programme of music events – no doubt also played a part.

Nonetheless, it’s befitting that a town known as the birthplace of railways is once again having its fortunes boosted by trains. A huge refurbishment of Darlington’s Grade II listed train station is on track,

An elevated walkway will connect the historic station to new Eastern concourse that has now been completed. And now shops will be added as part of a £140m redevelopment.

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

Mayor Houchen said the refurbishment would give Darlington passengers the station “they deserve” – and help improve the number of services available. The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA) stumped up £43m towards the project, while Network Rail and the Department for Transport have funded the other £96m.

The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2025 – 200 years after the world’s first public railway opened between Darlington and Stockton, in the Durham Tees Valley. Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport, said the completion of the work would be “a timely tribute the events of 1825”.