Agenda item

Presentation by Assistant Director - Community Services and Briefing Report by Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Assistant Director, Community Services gave a PowerPoint presentation (previously circulated) updating Members on the Darlington Rail Heritage Quarter project; and a briefing note (also previously circulated), outlining projects and activities within the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage Action Zone, accompanied the presentation.

Details were provided of the indicative site layout plan; this included the development of a 250 space car park in close proximity to the Skerne Bridge site; a new crossing on North road, a plaza between the Goods Shed and Head of Steam Museum, a themed adventure play area, the 1861 shed and private siding from the East Coast Main Line; and that negotiations were underway with Network rail and the Museum Trustin respect of land ownership.

The proposed options for the different elements of the site were outlined, including the Goods Shed which would be the entry point to the Rail Heritage Quarter; Head of Steam Museum; Carriage Works, which would become an exhibition and gallery space; and the Darlington and Stockton walking and cycle network which would run through the site. The start date for work to commence on site was Summer 2021 with a target completion date of early 2024.

It was reported that the work strands for 2025 celebrations were underway; feasibility work for an early locomotive exhibition was in progress, with contact being made with a number of organisations and owners to gain in principle support from owners of early engines from around the world to participate in the event; a review of the options for live steam had commenced, including proposals for a steam train charter excursion for young people from deprived areas and a recreation of 1825 with a replica of Loco No 1 on the Skerne Bridge on 27 September 2025; and Little Inventors, a programme of events with schools leading up to 2025.

Members were advised that the Council was in the process of acquiring the Lime Cells and were working closely with the Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway to submit a National Lottery heritage fund bid. The Lime Cells would be the operating base for the Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway and a five year community engagement programme across the 26 miles, which would commence in 2023.

Following a question in respect of capital and revenue costs between now and 2025 it was reported that the Tees Valley Combined Authority committed £20m to the project; £5m had been allocated from the Towns Fund bid; and £100k from Historic England project for conservation work on the Goods Shed; £500k had been set aside from Futures Fund to facilitate work up to 2025; and there was no financial contribution from Darlington Borough Council other than officer time, with a significant team in place to deliver the scheme.

Following a question in relation to visitor numbers, the Assistant Director confirmed that a significantly improved event programme would be in place, providing a different offer to other railway museums; the play area would be a significant attraction to the local community, whilst a changeable exhibition space would attract revisits; and the visitor number target was 250,000.

Members were also advised that the museum would be free to access with chargeable rides and exhibitions; and additional income from secondary spend through the site, including the café, shop and special events.

Members were advised of the key Heritage Action Zone projects as outlined in the briefing note and particular reference was made to the History and Heritage Festival 2020 – People and Place; Members were unaware of the festival and highlighted the need for improved advertising and comms to Members and the public, particularly in the lead up to 2025.

RESOLVED – That the thanks of this Scrutiny Committee be extended to the Assistant Director, Community Services be thanked for his informative and interesting presentation.

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