Special award to round off railway’s 200th anniversary

TONY HENDERSON on how the North East’s proud railway heritage record is being expanded

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RAILWAY heritage projects in the North East have scored in a London awards ceremony.

Hopetown Darlington landed the Chairman’s Special Award at the 2025 National Railway Heritage Awards, recognising the outstanding preservation and revitalisation of three of the town’s historic railway buildings.

And the restoration of the ornate canopy at the listed Whitley Bay station was rewarded with a commendation.

‘The awards are an annual celebration to recognise, the best in reuse, restoration and conservation of Britain’s historic railway infrastructure.

‘The Special Award was presented by Peter Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail.

The award reflects the extensive work undertaken as part of the £37 million transformation of heritage railway buildings and historic railway land into a 7.5-acre, railwaythemed visitor attraction in the heart of Darlington.

‘The project has revitalised one of the town’s most significant historic sites, safeguarding its pioneering railway heritage while creating an inspiring visitor attraction.

The award rounds off this year’s celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.