BAM UK & Ireland has delivered two new platforms and improved passenger facilities as part of the major expansion of Darlington station.

The project marks one of the most significant station investments on the East Coast Main Line in recent years and was delivered by BAM UK & Ireland in partnership with Network Rail, Siemens, Central Rail System Alliance, LNER, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Department for Transport and Darlington Borough Council and Willmott Dixon.

The latest expansion includes:

Completed whilst the station remained live and operational, its expansion required considered planning and execution alongside the Victorian grade II-listed building.

Richard Prime, Managing Director of Transport at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to have supported the delivery of Darlington Station’s expansion to bring its commuters improved accessibility and enhanced rail capacity for more connections than ever before.

“As a historic, grade II-listed Victorian building, our team worked hard to ensure the original building was protected in the new platform’s design. The 50-tonne footbridge, for example, needed to be delivered in two parts and assembled out with the station, then with precision slid into final position through openings made in the heritage station roof . This complex design is no easy feat, and illustrates the hard work carried out by our talented team.”

To mark the expansion, Darlington’s railway heritage and future came together on 15 May to celebrate the station’s transformation. Guests were given an exclusive first look at the station’s impressive new facilities ahead of its official opening on 17 May.

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.

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 has been 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.”

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.