Stockton & Darlington Railway

In advance of this landmark date, improvements have been made to this world class heritage attraction, building on its reputation as the birthplace of the modern railways, and to strengthen and promote a strong cultural offer that provides a distinctive experience for both visitors and residents.

In Autumn 2021, we successfully secured funding from the Department for Levelling Up for the Stockton & Darlington Railway Heritage Corridor which included: 

• New Hall at Locomotion.
• Car park improvements and cycle hub at Locomotion.
• Coal drops.
• A new active mode route.

New Hall

We have provided significant funding towards New Hall, a brand-new building for Locomotion. Inspired by the concept of an engine shed, it links back to Shildon's history as home to the famous railway works, which closed in 1984.

Opened to the public in May 2024, New Hall houses 47 vehicles bringing the total number of vehicles at Locomotion to 99. This is the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe.

Car park improvements and cycling hub

Improving and extending Locomotion's existing car park to encourage more visitors. This involved providing improved parking capacity by an additional 40%.

The cycle hub has been installed. It is ideally located to have excellent rail links for onward travel, to provide access to local amenities whilst using the route and allow safe storage for those visiting Locomotion and the area. The hub has cycle parking for 30 bikes and a repair stand.

Coal drops

The coaling drops were built in 1846 for the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

The coaling drops were specifically designed for refuelling steam locomotives. Coal waggons on a railway siding that ran along the upper surface of the structure were released by gravity into hoppers sited in the alcoves below. These hoppers fed into chutes set above the line allowing the swift refuelling of the trains waiting below.

The coal drops are grade II listed and were preserved as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations in 1975; the reason it survives today. It is also one of a group of early railway structures in Shildon, dubbed the 'cradle of the railway'. The coal drop's structure remains an important component of the visitor experience.

The coal drops had become at risk due to age and years of exposure which required detailed stone masonry and grouting repairs. We worked with a specialist building/stone mason contractor and conservator to stabilise and repair the structure. We have carefully maintained the surrounding area to protect the structure from further deterioration, this included ground stabilisation work. The structure will continue to show the important railway heritage of Shildon and the physical history of the Stockton to Darlington railway.

Active mode route

The Active Mode Route will closely follow the historic line from Witton Park to the County boundary at Newton Aycliffe, providing recreational opportunities and linking up educational and employment opportunities.

Display panels along the route will tell the story of the historic events that changed the way the world travels.

Construction progresses along the route, initially taking the opportunity to improve existing bridleways and footpaths. 

Festival

The festival programme outlines how communities will be able to celebrate the bicentenary and will take place across County Durham, Stockton, Darlington and Tees Valley from March to November 2025.

Plans to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway with celebrations throughout 2025 have been announced.