Museum's visitor numbers 'not to be sniffed at'

Hopetown museum opened its doors in July 2024

Council officials say they remain optimistic about the future of Darlington's flagship railway attraction, even though it failed to reach its first year's targets.

The Hopetown museum, which opened in July 2024, attracted 127,000 visitors up to May - significantly fewer than the 275,000 annual target.

The facility, celebrating the world's first steam-powered passenger railway, has faced several challenges including overspending and delays.

However, the council's cabinet member for local services said the number of visitors was "not to be sniffed at" and things were growing.

Problems included the delayed opening of its "railway-themed time travel experience" to early December, leading to a projected income shortfall of £270,000.

Other delays included opening the private siding and the show field, all of which were seen as key to visitor numbers.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Labour's Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, told a scrutiny meeting: "Expected footfall over the first year haven't been where we wanted them to be, and certainly not where we anticipated them in the business plan.

"But things are growing - 127,000 is not to be sniffed at.

"These figures are to the end of May, so in June and July, we have had additional footfall and events.

"It has not met the target of the first year, but we have aspirations."

It is hoped that the recent TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award will help grow its popularity.

McCollom added: "Officers are working incredibly hard, and I'm so grateful to every single member of the public who speaks so highly of Hopetown and spreads the message that it is fantastic."