Chairman's Special Award Unveiled
16 January 2026
Hopetown Darlington celebrates National Railway Heritage Chairman's Special Award with plaque unveiling ceremony
Hopetown Darlington has officially unveiled its ‘Chairman’s Railway 200 Special’ National Railway Heritage Award (NRHA) during a celebratory ceremony in Hopetown’s Goods Shed attended by partners from across the country, marking a major milestone for the attraction.
The prestigious award was presented to Hopetown Darlington at the 2025 National Railway Heritage Awards, recognising the outstanding preservation and revitalisation of three of Darlington’s most historic railway buildings – the 1833 Goods Shed, the 1842 North Road Station and the 1853 Carriage Works.
The National Railway Heritage Awards are an annual celebration that recognises, acknowledges and rewards, for the public benefit, the very best in the re-use, restoration and conservation of Britain’s historic railway infrastructure.
The Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Hopetown Darlington by Peter Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, at a ceremony held in central London, celebrating exceptional achievements in railway heritage across the UK.
The unveiling of the award plaque took place at Hopetown Darlington, where partners and stakeholders from across the country descended on the attraction to celebrate the achievement and reflect on the scale and significance of the project.
The unveiling followed shortly after speeches from National Railway Heritage Awards Secretary Jerry Swift and Leader of Darlington Borough Council Councillor Steven Harker.
Councillor Libby McCollom, Cabinet Member for Local Services at Darlington Borough Council, said: “Being awarded the NRHA Chairman’s Special Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone who has been part of Hopetown Darlington since the very beginning. We have always known the importance of this site to our town, and to see it recognised nationally and celebrated here today with our partners, friends and visitors is incredibly rewarding.”
“This award is a huge source a pride for everyone who helped bring Hopetown Darlington to life and continue to help in its development.”
Jerry Swift, NRHA Awards Secretary and Trustee, said: “Hopetown Darlington stood out to the judges for the scale and quality of its ambition, and for the exemplary way in which historic railway buildings have been preserved and reimagined for public benefit. The project successfully safeguards an internationally significant railway heritage site while giving it a clear and sustainable future as a vibrant visitor attraction. It is a fitting recipient of the Chairman’s Special Award and an outstanding example of how Britain’s railway heritage can be celebrated, protected and brought to life for new generations.”
This prestigious national recognition 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, railway-themed visitor attraction in the heart of Darlington.
The project has breathed new life into one of the town’s most significant historic sites, safeguarding its pioneering railway heritage while creating an inspiring and engaging destination for future generations.