Eaglescliffe Station Unveils £14.5 Million Upgrade Featuring New Bridge, Lifts and Car Park
Eaglescliffe Station has reopened following a comprehensive £14.5 million redevelopment that includes a new 56-metre bridge, three lifts, and an expanded car park with up to 100 spaces. The improvements were officially inaugurated on Monday 29 June by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.
The project aims to enhance accessibility and passenger experience, addressing previous challenges faced by disabled travellers, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying heavy luggage. Prior to the upgrade, changing platforms often involved lengthy and indirect routes, particularly due to the steep ramp on the older bridge.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council delivered the new car park on the station’s west side, supporting broader travel options. Additional enhancements include a modernised ticket office and waiting room, as well as a new taxi building and an improved Grand Central lounge on the platform.
Funding for the scheme came from multiple sources: £9.2 million from the Combined Authority, £3.25 million from Network Rail, and £2 million from the Department for Transport. The council’s contribution to the car park was supported by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Levelling Up Fund for Stockton South, and the Indigenous Growth Fund.
Mayor Houchen emphasised the project’s significance, stating: “This project delivers massive improvements for passengers at Eaglescliffe and an outstanding example of what we can achieve through strong local leadership and by working together with our partners. These improvements remove barriers that should never have existed, making the station more accessible, safer and easier to use for everyone. They also strengthen connections to jobs and businesses, particularly at Durham Lane, while supporting vital rail services to London.” He added, “We’re determined to keep investing in our transport network so that our stations are modern, accessible and fit for the future, giving local people and businesses the infrastructure they deserve.”
Baroness Grey-Thompson, an 11-time Paralympic gold medallist and regular user of direct London services from Eaglescliffe, highlighted the importance of accessibility: “Proper access is absolutely vital if we want a transport network that works for everyone. For too long, stations like Eaglescliffe have been difficult to navigate. These improvements make a real difference, helping people travel with confidence, independence and dignity. It’s a good example of what can be achieved when accessibility is treated as a priority – and I hope to see the improvements rolled out more widely at all stations.”
Network Rail North and East route director Jason Hamilton praised the collaborative effort: “Improving accessibility and access to rail travel is a key priority for us and we’re proud to have supported the work at Eaglescliffe. It’s a brilliant example of partnership working, something that will be increasingly important as we work towards Great British Railways, and we’ll continue working closely with TVCA and the Mayor to support their ambitions and the needs of local communities in Teesside to create better connectivity and opportunities in the Tees Valley.”
Before the new bridge’s installation, accessing the station from Durham Lane and adjacent western land required a 25-minute walk, a connection via Allen’s West Station, or a drive of up to ten minutes. Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “The new improvements to Eaglescliffe Station will be a welcome addition to residents, commuters and businesses across the Tees Valley. We are proud to have led on the creation of a new car park and improved access arrangements on the west side of the station. This will make a real difference to people, while the wider station works helping to deliver safer and more convenient journeys. The improved transport links will also help attract more businesses to the area, providing transport links for employment sites like Teeslink. This shows how well partners can work together to deliver improvements that people will feel every day.”
Chris Brandon, Director of Grand Central Rail, noted the impact on rail services: “We’re proud to play a key role at Eaglescliffe, not only as the principal operator providing direct services to and from London, but also through our dedicated staff presence at the station and in the ticket office. These improvements mark a major step forward. By removing barriers and enhancing facilities, this investment will enable more people to travel with confidence and keep communities across the Tees Valley better connected to the opportunities that rail brings.”
Northern’s Director of Service Delivery in the North East, Matthew Workman, added: “We’re delighted this important project has been completed at Eaglescliffe station. Providing step-free access makes a real difference as it gives more passengers the confidence to travel by train. We will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners to improve accessibility across our network and always welcome feedback.”
The upgrade is part of a broader initiative to enhance all 26 railway stations across the Tees Valley, following significant investments at Darlington, Billingham, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool. Councillor Steve Harker, TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, remarked: “This is a major step forward for Eaglescliffe and our wider rail network. Most importantly, the upgrades make the station accessible, in addition to being more welcoming and much better suited to the needs of modern passengers. By improving connections and easing access across different modes of transport, we are helping more people choose rail while supporting growth across the Tees Valley.”
Work to refurbish the older footbridge is scheduled to continue over the summer.
