Shildon has set out an ambitious vision for its future, hitting submit on a bid to become a Town of Culture in 2028.
Developed by a partnership of local organisations, the Town Council, Locomotion and local MP Sam Rushworth, the bid builds on Shildon’s heritage while confronting the challenges that shape everyday life for many residents.
Shildon is famously a small town that changed the world. In 1825, a steam engine later known as Locomotion No.1 set off from the town, driven by George Stephenson, helping ignite the railway revolution. Under Timothy Hackworth, the town became a major industrial centre, employing thousands and exporting rail vehicles globally.
But that success was followed by lasting change. The closure of the wagon works in 1984 had a profound impact, and today Shildon faces high levels of deprivation, the loss of key services and limited opportunities for young people.
At the same time, Locomotion attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond. However, many do not venture into the town centre, limiting the wider economic benefit. Addressing this is central to the bid, with plans to bring heritage assets back into use, including Daniel Adamson’s coach house, alongside a community-led “museum of Shildon life”. These will help increase footfall, encourage longer visits and support local businesses. Investment in facilities and offer at the Shildon Railway Institute also formed part of the bid.
Shildon’s cultural life has always gone hand in hand with its industrial past. Railway workers built institutions that were far more than social clubs – they were centres of learning, creativity and community life. The Railway Institute hosted lectures, reading rooms and debates, while brass bands, choirs, banner-making and gala parades brought people together across generations. That tradition of shared cultural activity helped shape a strong sense of identity and belonging that the bid now seeks to revive.
Sarah Price, CEO of Locomotion, said: “Locomotion is delighted to support Shildon’s bid to be Town of Culture in 2028. Our bid places the people of Shildon at the heart of an ambitious programme to catapult our town onto the global stage where it truly belongs.”
Creating opportunities for young people is another priority. With around one in six not in education, employment or training, the bid includes work experience and apprenticeships across heritage, engineering, tourism and events.
Sam Rushworth MP said: “Our bid highlights Shildon’s remarkable heritage and makes a strong argument for how investment in culture and heritage can open opportunities for young people in the town to learn new skills.”
The bid also focuses on rebuilding community pride through festivals, events and intergenerational projects, building on activity linked to the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
David Bell, Mayor of Shildon, said: “This bid is about more than a title – it’s about giving people in Shildon the chance to shape their own future and create real opportunity.”
If shortlisted, Shildon will receive £60,000 to develop a full proposal by the autumn. The winner will then prepare a £3 million programme for 2028, while two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
The aim is not just a year of activity, say the bidding partners, but creating a lasting legacy, connecting Shildon’s past with a more confident and prosperous future.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
You do realise that April fools day is only on the morning 😂
Ok we should get far in that then nothing hear
Paul Blood it’s actually a grant you get to make culturery type things but it costs a good lump to apply for it, I think bishop has spent 60k to go for it, I think it’s worth 3mil though
What culture, even the trains was hacked up and our historical buildings are being converted to immigrant housing.
Michelle H-edding No they aren’t.
Oh right, they are just empty unconverted buildings and I am just blind like others. I havent had to give anyone directions either 🙄
Michelle H-edding What are you incoherently rambling about
A bit late for april folls jokes
Yeah thats not gonna happen
Nothing to lose by trying. We did launch the railways and there’s a lot of history here. Glad someone’s trying to raise the profile of the town and the investment that might come with that. Loving the predictable negativity from some though 🙄
Yeah launched the railways but cant see somewhere winning town of culture where the towns oldest building and home of railway pioneer is a hmo and out of bounds to the public with awful here’s fencing up
Just noticed the date… well done
mistyped title it should say “Town of Closure”
I don’t think the date is right, I think it’s supposed to be 2032