Hopetown Darlington Wins National Railway Heritage Award

Hopetown Darlington has received the Chairman’s Special Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards, recognising the careful preservation and considered refurbishment of three of Darlington’s historic railway buildings.

Established in 1979, the National Railway Heritage Awards celebrate excellence in the re-use, restoration and conservation of railway architecture across the UK. Originally rooted in the heritage railway movement, the awards now acknowledge projects across the wider national rail network, highlighting the role that thoughtful design plays in safeguarding historic infrastructure while enabling contemporary use.

The award comes in a landmark year for the region, marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. To commemorate this bicentenary, a Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Darlington Borough Council in recognition of the extensive work undertaken to revitalise the former carriage works and goods shed at North Road.

“We are immensely proud to receive this award. Hopetown Darlington Represents the very best of our town’s spirit. Preserving these remarkable buildings is not just about safeguarding our past; it’s about celebrating what makes Darlington unique. This recognition puts our town and our attraction firmly on the national stage and is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone involved in the project from the very beginning.”

Mike Crawshaw
Head of Heritage and Culture, Darlington Borough Council

The award was presented in London by Peter Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, and acknowledges the £37 million transformation that has brought new purpose to historic buildings and railway land. The project balances conservation with renewal, creating an educational and community-focused place that honours Darlington’s pioneering role in railway history while looking firmly to the future.

SPACE Architects were proud to act as lead designers, masterplanners and principal designers for the project. The team worked carefully with the existing fabric, restoring and adapting the standing buildings to create an accessible and welcoming environment. The result is a place that feels both rooted and relevant, demonstrating how heritage-led regeneration can reinforce identity and civic pride.

“Receiving the NRHA Chairman’s Special Award is a tremendous honour for everyone involved in Hopetown Darlington from the earliest stages. We have always believed this site is one of Darlington’s greatest assets. To see this recognised by the National Railway Heritage Awards is incredibly rewarding.”

Libby McCollom
Cabinet Member for Local Services, Darlington Borough Council

This latest accolade follows further recognition for Hopetown Darlington, including a recent VisitEngland Welcome Award for its visitor experience. The National Railway Heritage Award plaque will be formally unveiled at Hopetown Darlington in January 2026. Our congratulations to all involved in realising this achievement.