The Stockton and Darlington Railway has been awarded £3,211,632 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to all of the National Lottery players! The funding will support capital costs for creating Darlington’s new Rail Heritage Quarter and will also provide for community engagement for the route’s entire length.

The Rail Heritage Quarter is set to open in 2024 and will see the redevelopment of a number of heritage buildings  at the Head of Steam Museum site in Darlington which will also include a workshop for steam locomotives Tornado and Prince of Wales. It is estimated that the redevelopment will see more than 360,000 visitors attend each year and will be a focal point of Stockton and Darlington Railways’ bicentenary celebrations in 2025.

The funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will see:

• The creation of an immersive and inspiring new experience in the restored Goods Shed, Museum, Carriage Works, and throughout the entire Rail Heritage Quarter site.
• The creation of a new unique play facility created with a connection to the heritage of the site.
• A digital animation using virtual and augmented reality of the entire site from its beginnings.
• Restoration of the Grade II listed Lime Cells
• The refurbishment of the Carriage Works building which will become an exhibition space, open store and archive facility

Further to the amazing work planned for the Rail Heritage Quarter, the funding will also provide for community engagement activity planned for the railway’s entire 26 miles. Further to this a programme of small grants which are designed to inspire and empower the communities along the line and see them organise their own special events and projects.

The community-focused project will see 30 new direct jobs created alongside 300 indirect jobs and 37 construction jobs. Stockton and Darlington Railway will also engage with 300 volunteers throughout the entire programme alongside young people who can also take part in the activities whilst learning new skills. Valuable work experience will also be available for local students in an array of areas alongside the creation of brand-new apprenticeship schemes.

A collaboration between Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council, Stockton Borough Council and the Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway has made the successful bid to the Heritage Fund possible.

Tuesday the 31st of January saw Darlington Borough Council give the keys to the Head of Steam museum to the contractors Willmott Dixon and marked a step forward in the exciting redevelopment.

The museum will see ongoing activities taking place right through 2023 with further details available here. On the website, there is an opportunity to sign up for the museum’s mailing list in order to be the first to find out how you can get involved and hear the latest regarding the progress of the project.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Leader of Darlington Council said: “This generous award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is key to the success of this fantastic project. The award will enable us to display and interpret our amazing railway heritage for the enjoyment of all our visitors, to cherish and maintain it for the benefit of generations to come.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This National Lottery award highlights the impact the Stockton and Darlington Railway had on the global stage, it will help to secure tourist trade and boost the area’s economy, getting people spending in our towns, and will undoubtedly act as an inspiration for future industry, development and innovation in the region.”

Graeme Bunker James from the A1 Locomotive Trust said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, people will be able to explore and learn about our fascinating railway heritage and history being made by new locomotives Tornado and Prince of Wales. Visitors to heritage railway sites now expect more than just to look at restored exhibits. They want to see historic engineering skills put to use, and in Darlington, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust employs them alongside modern design techniques to create new steam locomotives, maintain existing vehicles and all whilst visitors are entertained and informed about the activities they are observing.”

Niall Hammond from the Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway said “Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund the creation of a Community Grants Scheme provides a wonderful opportunity to enable the involvement of voluntary groups along the 26 miles of the Stockton and Darlington Railway celebrating not just the 2025 bicentenary, but putting in place a lasting legacy.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The North of England is home to some of the most famous railway heritage in the world, and the Stockton and Darlington Railway is one of the jewels in that crown. As we approach the railway’s bi-centenary, we are incredibly excited to be supporting the creation of this new attraction in the Heritage Rail Quarter that will share this fascinating history with visitors from near and far through innovative techniques. We’re also delighted, that thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to support the programme to empower communities along the historic railway line to celebrate this heritage in ways that matter to them the most.”