Hopetown Darlington railway museum to open tomorrow

The Hopetown project has been carefully crafted to completely regenerate the Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum site.

There is now a modern café, a huge children's play area, interactive experiences teaching Darlington's history, a Lego exhibition, ice cream stands and more.

The museum is completely free for entry but some areas like the children's play area, Lego exhibition and VR experience (which is coming soon) will require payment.

Work started in March 2022 with funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Historic England and Railway Heritage Trust and Art Fund.

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Every building on the site now has a story to tell from the car park next to Skerne Bridge to the 1883 Goods Shed to the Exhibition Hall in the 1853 Carriage Works.

The LEGO exhibit currently in the hall called Brick Journeys has used nearly one million bricks in total.

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Construction company Willmott Dixon has led the transformation of the site, refurbishing the historic Grade II listed buildings.

Willmott Dixon's North East director Nick Corrigan said: "The people of Darlington changed the world from here in 1825 and right from the beginning of the project we have been committed to creating the conditions for young people to understand and be inspired by that same spirit of ingenuity and innovation.

"We've engaged more than 2,200 local school and college students and we have created more than 200 weeks of new employment opportunities and 212 weeks of apprenticeships at Hopetown."

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Much of the artwork on site and the huge playground have been created with the help of local schoolchildren.

Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council said: "I am delighted that we have been able to create such an amazing visitor attraction here in Darlington.

"It pays tribute to those who helped change the world by making passenger rail travel available to all.

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"I would like to thank everyone involved in this impressive project from the investors and sponsors to the many varied and talented teams who have created this wonderful attraction.

"Visitors of all ages, families and train enthusiasts, are guaranteed a fantastic day out."

Lola McEvoy, Labour MP for Darlington, said: "I'm beyond excited to visit Hopetown Darlington. I loved going to the Railway Museum as a child and for children in our town and across the region and the country this will be a fantastic, fun day out. 

"Celebrating our town's history is vital for restoring pride and encouraging investment. I'm looking forward to visiting on Saturday when I get back from Westminster."

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, described it as a "world class attraction" that people across the country will want to explore.

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He said: "Hopetown Darlington is a fantastic new attraction which honours our region's incredible history as the birthplace of the modern railway and I can't wait to visit with my family.

"We want places such as Darlington to be renowned for having world-class attractions - where people from across Teesside, Darlington, Hartlepool, the rest of the UK and beyond will want to come and explore.

"Investment in superb projects such as Hopetown Darlington are crucial in helping us not only shout about our past but also inspire innovators of the future and ensure our area is a great place to live, work and visit."