Nearly half a million journeys have been made to and from Darlington Station in just three months since its major extension opened, The Northern Echo can reveal.
The new platforms opened on May 17 as part of a £140m redevelopment designed to increase capacity at the station and improve the town’s connections.
The Echo understands the figure is broadly similar to the number of journeys recorded over the same period 12 months ago, with bosses hoping passenger numbers increase once the full redevelopment is complete.
Steve Wilson, head of stations at LNER, said that the 500,000 journeys show the ‘vital role’ Darlington continues to play in the rail network.
He said: “Since the new platforms opened on May 17, LNER has welcomed nearly half a million journeys.”
“Around half of these have been made between Darlington and Newcastle, or Darlington and London’s King Cross, demonstrating the station’s role in connecting the town both regionally and with the capital.”
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
A spokesperson for LNER also highlighted there had been little increase in the number of train services since the redevelopment, meaning the additional capacity provided by the new platforms has yet to result in a significant increase.
The multi-million-pound redevelopment has also added new retail offerings with Greggs already open, and both Local Fresh and Costa are expected to open in the coming months.
The developments are part of a wider ambition to transform Darlington and attract further investment into the town.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the impact of the new station had already started to put the birthplace of modern railway back on the map.
He said: “I know from speaking to people who use Darlington from further afield just how much of an impact it has made and the statement it makes to the rest of the country.”
The extension has also increased the capacity at the station, with hopes that more frequent rail services across the region will be fully supported.
He added: “The work we’ve done together means we have a strong case to bring better and more regular rail services between Darlington and the rest of the country, plus more capacity to have more regular service across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The improvements the redevelopment has on the wider local region are a focussed shared by Councillor Stephen Harker, leader of Darlington Council.
He said: “Darlington railway station is a vital gateway for both the town and the wider Tees Valley, so it's fantastic to see these improvements; the new platforms will allow more mainline services to stop at Darlington each hour, while also supporting more frequent local rail services across the Tees Valley.”
The redevelopment of the station is also being viewed as an important part of the wider regeneration of Darlington town centre.
(Image: Government Property Agency)
Last month, Chancellor John Healey branded Darlington’s Treasury hub ‘No 11 North’ - saying big Government decisions will be made here “day in day out”.
He said: "As a Yorkshire MP I know that people up here want to know that government decisions are being taken with them and where they live in mind.
"I made growth in every postcode one of my five priorities on my very first day as Chancellor. Because we are ready to back Britain - and that means all of Britain.
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"Meeting the exceptional Treasury staff in Darlington, our 'No 11 North', in my second week in the job, I can see that is well underway.
“Hundreds of policy makers from a huge range of backgrounds are making big decisions for local people and Britain here in the north east, day in, day out.
"And with No 10 North now up and running alongside us, we are doubling down on our devolution agenda to give people more control of their lives and the services they rely on."