Darlington, a town steeped in railway history, is set to breathe new life into the UKs oldest surviving goods shed.

Built in 1833 as part of the renowned Stockton & Darlington Railway, the Grade II*-listed structure has witnessed the evolution of transportation over almost two centuries.

Thanks to a generous grant from Historic England and the ambitious plans of the Darlington Railway Heritage Quarter, this dilapidated gem will soon become the gateway to a new £35 million visitor attraction.

Designed by the esteemed chief engineer Thomas Storey, the goods shed played a pivotal role in the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s operations. It served as a central hub for handling a wide range of goods, including agricultural produce, which were transported along the historic railway line.

In response to growing commercial demand, the shed underwent expansion in 1839-40, doubling its size. Additionally, a distinctive clock tower was added to the roof, becoming a notable feature of the structure.

Architectural experts believe that trains entered the goods shed through archways, making stops in designated bays where local merchants would unload the goods using horse-drawn carts.

This method of handling and transporting goods showcases the early pioneering spirit of the railway industry.

As the oldest surviving building of its kind, the goods shed holds a unique place in railway history, with the only comparable structure being the Grade I-listed railway warehouse at Liverpool Road Station in Manchester, dating back to 1830.

In 1857, the goods shed relinquished its role as the primary point of goods handling for the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Sometime between 1870 and 1898, the building was converted into a fire station, safeguarding the burgeoning railway infrastructure in Darlington.

Later in 1951, the shed underwent another transformation, this time becoming a maintenance depot for railway road vehicles. Until recently, it was tenanted by the Darlington Railway Preservation Society, preserving its historical significance.

Unfortunately, the goods shed had fallen into disrepair, with the clock-tower posing a particular risk.

Recognizing its deteriorating condition, Historic England included the structure in its Heritage at Risk Register in 2019. To ensure the preservation of this invaluable piece of railway heritage, Historic England has generously granted £252,000 towards the repairs and restoration of the goods shed.

The restoration project is part of the Stockton & Darlington Railway Heritage Action Zone, a comprehensive five-year initiative aimed at rejuvenating the entire 26-mile stretch of the historic railway line.

By breathing new life into these historic sites, the initiative seeks to realize the area’s full potential as a major heritage attraction and visitor destination in anticipation of the railway’s bicentenary in 2025.

Thanks to the funding provided by Historic England, which follows on from further funding for the SDR, the goods shed will be meticulously restored to its former glory. It will serve as the main entrance to the Darlington Railway Heritage Quarter, a visionary £35 million visitor attraction that will celebrate the rich history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

With its strategic location and historical significance, the restored goods shed will provide visitors with a captivating introduction to the heritage quarter and its immersive experiences.

Giles Proctor from Historic England said: “The goods shed is one of the most important surviving railway buildings in the country and it’s wonderful that we are able to help secure its future as part of a visitor attraction that celebrates the history of steam locomotion.”

Mike Crawshaw, head of culture and heritage at Darlington Borough Council, said: “The goods shed is an important piece of Darlington’s rail heritage and a key focal point of the new development, where it will welcome visitors from around the world looking to discover our rich past. We’re delighted to have the support of Historic England to help bring the building back to its former glory.”