Locomotion 

Locomotion No 1 set off on its historic journey in September 1825 from Shildon, proving that steam power was the future. 
Timothy Hackworth, the first Superintendent of the S&DR, and a locomotive designer and engineer himself, set up base establishing Shildon as a centre of production.

Within a couple of years of the S&DR opening, Hackworth designed and Shildon built locomotives were in operation around the world meaning Shildon became a world leader and known as the ‘cradle of the railways’– by the early C20 it was home to the world’s largest wagon works and the world’s largest sidings. 

Locomotion’s masterplan activity will encompass the whole site including the existing collection building. 
The historic buildings at the western end of the site have been extensively restored, interpretation has been installed on the S&DR 200 Walking and cycling route and the Sunday School is used to host talks, learning activities & meetings etc.

The Goods Shed will be the base for passenger rides when these restart again over summer, and Kilburn’s Warehouse (one of the earliest custom built railway buildings in the world) will be opened to visitors on high days and holidays.

Plans to turn Soho House and Cottages into holiday and domestic lets are also being discussed. 

Sustainability and biodiversity are an important part of Locomotion’s work. They are repurposing many of the green areas into wildflower meadows and explaining how railways have played a role as wildlife corridors. 

An upgraded playground, with accessible elements, and a Changing Places facility has also been installed.
Work will shortly complete on a project to restore and stabilise the Grade II* listed coal drops.  Remedial work to the track will take place meaning that trains can run down to the historic end of site for the first time in six years.

Work to upgrade and extend the carpark will provide parking for up to 525 cars, helping Locomotion to deliver large scale events and reduce the impact on neighbouring roads. The design will provide more accessible spaces, and a safe separated walking route for visitors to enter the site. 

The Gaunless Bridge has also been relocated as it was never seen and was looking a bit neglected. Designed by Stephenson it is the world’s oldest surviving iron railway bridge and was located over the R Gaunless, about 2 miles away. 

At the heart of the masterplan developments is New Hall, a new 2000M2 building that will store 47 vehicles. Opening in late May 2024, it will make Locomotion home to the largest undercover collection of heritage rail vehicles in Europe (possibly the world). The moves, and the installation of the interpretation, will be completed by early May.
Locomotion are taking the opportunity to move and relocate vehicles not just in New Hall but also Main Hall, the historic buildings as well as Great Hall and Station hall in York. 

Having more on display with better stories will allow us to ensure everyone is welcome.
Volunteer opportunities will also increase. This will help to develop workplace skills that are in need across the sector but also help people to live well no matter what their age or circumstance. 

The bicentenary celebrations of the Stockton & Darlington Railway anniversary will be at the heart of Locomotion’s programming for 2025. This will be an amplified version of the standard programming with highpoints on key dates timed around school holidays (in the main). 
Locomotion are also in talks with Network rail and HS2 to bring up the statue of Robert Stephenson that stood outside Euston to Locomotion and have it on long-term loan so they can talk about the contribution of the Stephensons, as well as local heroes such as Hackworth. 
Locomotion have plans for line-ups of iconic vehicles from across the country, giving visitors the chance to see and experience something out of the ordinary and are planning a festival based around the anniversary with activities for independent adults, families and schools.