Work starts on new car park for Rail Heritage Quarter

Work will start next week to clear an area of derelict land as part of plans to make the town's Rail Heritage Quarter a leading visitor attraction in the North East.

The site, close to the historic Skerne Bridge on the route of the former Stockton & Darlington Railway, is being turned into a car park for the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum at the centre of the new Railway Heritage Quarter.

Work will begin on Monday (6 September) to clear waste and litter which has been flytipped on the site alongside self-seeded trees and bushes.

Once cleared, a site investigation will be carried out and it is hoped construction work will start in early 2023. The new car park will provide around 250 spaces for visitors with access be via the existing road from John Street.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “As part of our ambitious Rail Heritage Quarter plans we have now been able to purchase this area of land which will play an important part in our scheme by providing a car park for visitors.

“We also plan to create a new pedestrian crossing on North Road to ensure a safe and convenient crossing point for visitors and local residents.

“The work will clear this site which has been an eyesore for a number of years. Once it is cleared we will be able to get a full understanding of the site and any issues that may need to be considered as part of the design work.

“Our proposals include new landscaping and tree planting to help ensure a more pleasant environment. Across the borough, we are also aiming to plant around 20,000 new trees over the next few years.”