Funding boost for Stockton & Darlington Rail Heritage Quarter

PLANS to establish a Rail Heritage Quarter based on the original 26 miles of the Stockton & Darlington Railway have received a major boost after a £2.8 million funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund has passed the first stage.

An initial grant of £52,000 will allow partners to move on to the development phase of the project and prepare an application for the second round.

The project will include the restoration of Darlington’s Head of Steam museum, its 1861 shed, the goods shed, carriage works and lime cells, as well as the creation of a new car park and, in partnership with Network Rail, the restoration and improved access to Skerne Bridge, the world’s oldest operating railway bridge (see News, page 29).

The plans are part of a

£30 million scheme to create a visitor attraction with global appeal to mark the railway’s bicentenary in 2025, supported by £20 million from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.