Exciting plans have been revealed for a new, purpose-built locomotive works within the Darlington Railway Heritage Quarter.

Owned by Darlington Borough Council and funded by the authority as well as Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and central government grants, the £4.5m building will provide many of the facilities that we require for building and operating our steam locomotives. 

The project has also been boosted by the involvement of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. The Peppercorn A1 Pacific class 60163 Tornado steam locomotive was constructed in the Hopetown Lane Works in Darlington

The new proposal outlines plans to ensure the site has a main line rail connection, running track, inspection pits and more. 

There will be three phases for fundraising, the first for the running line, allowing movement around the site and live steam rides. And on the eve of the Stockton and Darlington bicentennial, people have been asked to consider supporting the project.

The trust says its legacy will live on to ensure the future of new build steam in Darlington and ensuring that it functions as a live steam destination for the UK, as well as a national and international visitor centre. 

A statement from added: “Our contribution to the overall scheme will ensure a long term home for the Trust at a 'Peppercorn' rent for many, many years to come.

“Our commitment to our new premises includes providing and laying the track for our elements of the site and ensuring its connection to the Network Rail infrastructure.

“To that end we acquired around 1,100m of sleepers last year which at Ferryhill awaiting transfer to Darlington. We recently acquired 375 sleepers from Nexus which were delivered to the site this summer.

“In parallel, the Trust negotiated with Network Rail to buy 3,600m of rails (1,800 linear metres of track) cascaded from the Northumberland Line Project renewal programme and which will deliver the plain line requirements of the site at a favourable price. Not a moment too soon, as in August 2022 Willmott Dixon, the DRHQ build contractor, will be laying the rails into the floor build. For this reason, we ask for your support right away.

“To cover the cost of materials and transport we are looking to raise £75,000. Any contributions are welcome, but for full club membership the minimum donation is £500, with £750 sponsoring a full 60ft rail with your name going next to that section on the track plan displayed in the new building.”

Click here to donate to the campaign.