Early work on rail heritage quarter to start this week

Work is set to start soon on preparations for the development of Darlington’s Rail Heritage Quarter as a leading visitor attraction in the North East.

The first step will see the clearance of around 300 square metres of scrub and trees off Bonomi Way. The work will start on Friday (6 November) and will then allow site investigations to be carried out, which is essential to understand any site issues and contamination there may be.

Any trees which are of good form and condition will be relocated elsewhere within the borough, while any that are of low value will be replaced as the project develops.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We’re aiming for a start date on site in late summer next year and this is an important first step in beginning work on our exciting Rail Heritage Quarter, which will attract visitors from around the county, and the world, to visit the home of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

“Just as importantly, it will transform the area for local residents, who we will be working with throughout the project.

“While some scrub and trees will need to be removed, we will be relocating or planting new tress as the project progresses and we are committed to planting at least 10,000 trees over the next three years.”