The Expanded Metal Company supplied bespoke, 3mm 1050 H14, aluminium expanded metal mesh as part of the major redevelopment of Darlington Station.

Darlington Station is one of the most significant railway stations in the UK and has recently reopened following extensive refurbishment works designed to increase capacity, improve accessibility and enhance the passenger experience. The project forms part of wider investment in rail infrastructure across the North East and supports the continued growth of the East Coast Main Line.

The redevelopment includes a new station concourse and improved facilities, helping to future-proof the station while recognising its important role in railway history.

AECOM approached The Expanded Metal Company during the design phase with a vision to celebrate Darlington’s rail heritage through the use of mesh. Working closely with the project team, new tooling was developed to adapt our Roundel pattern and create a bespoke solution specifically for the station.

Following further coordination with BAM UK & Ireland and Miler Fabrications, the mesh was manufactured and supplied for installation on the station staircase and Platforms 5 and 6.

To complement the wider architectural design the mesh was framed and finished with a bespoke polyester powder coating designed to replicate the appearance of corten steel, creating a distinctive feature within the redeveloped station environment.

The completed installation demonstrates how expanded metal mesh can be adapted to support architectural vision while providing a durable and visually striking solution for major infrastructure projects.

Mesh: Bespoke Roundel

Photography: Sam Levitt. Principal Architect, Architecture England, Buildings + Places at AECOM.