Key areas such as the train station, Duke Street, Skinnergate, DL1, and Darlington Retail Park on Yarm Road are just a few of those locations that have changed.
We have pieced together several of the changes that have taken place between those 10-20 years and pinpointed them using Google Maps.
Images of Darlington streets and landmarks 2000s vs 2024:
Darlington Train Station
Darlington Train Station 2024 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Darlington Train Station 2009 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) In 2009, Darlington’s train station was a functional hub for regional and national travel but lacked modern facilities. By 2024, it is currently undergoing major renovations as part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment driven by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and national investment in the Northern Powerhouse.
Key Changes to the station:
- Expanded platforms and upgraded infrastructure to handle increased capacity and prepare for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
- Enhanced accessibility with new lifts, escalators, and improved pedestrian pathways.
- Integrated retail and dining spaces, transforming the station into a bustling hub for commuters and visitors.
- Modernised connections with bus routes and cycling infrastructure, making it a model of sustainable transportation.
Duke Street
Duke Street 2024 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Duke Street 2009 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Once a charming but somewhat overlooked part of the town, Duke Street has emerged as a thriving centre for independent shops, cafes, and restaurants by 2024.
Known for its quaint appeal, Duke Street featured a mix of independent stores and services but struggled to attract consistent footfall in 2009.
By 2024, the street has undergone significant improvements, with wider pavements, outdoor seating areas, and improved lighting to create a welcoming pedestrian-friendly environment.
Trendy cafes, artisanal bakeries, and boutique shops have revitalised the street, making it a hotspot for locals and visitors.
Skinnergate
Skinnergate 2024 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Skinnergate 2009 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Skinnergate has long been one of Darlington’s most iconic streets, celebrated for its historic architecture. Between 2009 and 2024, it saw the restoration of historical elements and shopfronts, maintaining its character while attracting new businesses.
It also saw the introduction of niche retailers, galleries, and craft shops, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for creativity and independent businesses.
Although we must admit – we do miss Argos on Skinnergate.
DL1
DL1 2024 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) The space where DL1 is now, back in 2009 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) The DL1 complex has become a focal point for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Darlington but wasn’t even there in 2009.
Recommended reading:
Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo.
Through the building of a state-of-the-art cinema, popular chain restaurants alongside unique dining experiences, and high-street fashion outlets and leisure facilities – DL1 has been a vital complex for the town.
Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road
Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road in 2009 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road in 2024 (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) Darlington Retail Park on Yarm Road has become a bustling centre for out-of-town shopping, offering convenience and a diverse range of retailers.
The park has expanded significantly, now hosting major national chains alongside home improvement stores and electronics retailers.
We have thrown in an image here of the retail park, albeit in 2012 and a version in 2024 to give people nostalgia for what shops used to be there.