Delivering a multi-discipline access solution for Darlington Station upgrade
Client
Network Rail
Location
North East, UK
Product
STAKKAbox™ with B125 composite cover and frames
Sector
Rail
The recent upgrade at Darlington Station is one of the most high-profile rail projects in the North East. And Cubis Systems has played an instrumental role in its infrastructure.
Darlington Station is currently undergoing a major improvement programme to modernise and prepare it for its 200th anniversary. As part of this programme, critical drainage, power, and signalling upgrades were required to support the construction of a brand-new station building.
The scale and visibility of this project demanded a solution that would:
- Integrate multiple disciplines
- Offer ease of installation
- Preserve the historic aesthetic of the station environment
It was Cubis who was selected as a trusted partner to provide an efficient, sustainable, and adaptable access system.
The challenge
The Darlington Station improvement works involved the installation of vital trackside infrastructure. This installation plays an essential role in futureproofing the site and enhancing passenger services.
Here, a key challenge was the need to integrate access systems across:
- Signalling
- Electrical
- Drainage
All while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing services and the surrounding historic environment.
Additionally, due to the high footfall and heritage status of the station, product selection had to strike a careful balance between performance, safety, and visual impact.
The solution
Cubis worked closely with the project’s contractors and design teams to develop a tailored access chamber solution that met all technical, operational, and aesthetic requirements.
Our product package included:
- STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA 1200 x 600 chambers
- STAKKAbox™ Modula 600 x 600, 450 x 450, and 750 x 750 chambers
- B125 composite cover and frames for all chambers
These products offered a fully integrated solution, providing continuity across the electrical, drainage, and signalling installations.
Their modular, lightweight design enabled quick and safe installation in a live rail environment.
Meanwhile, the B125 composite covers ensured durability and an aesthetic finish that complements the station’s historic architecture.
📷 Scroll to see some of our installed products >>>
Key benefits delivered
-
Ease of installation
The lightweight, modular design reduced manual handling risks and sped up installation on-site
-
Cross-discipline integration
A full solution across drainage, power, and signalling, simplifying logistics and compatibility
-
Aesthetic value
Low-profile, non-metallic covers provided a modern solution that blended seamlessly with the 200-year-old structure
-
Sustainability
Our composite systems reduced reliance on concrete, lowering the project’s carbon footprint and supporting Network Rail’s sustainability goals.
Project outcome
The installation of Cubis access systems helped ensure the smooth delivery of this important infrastructure upgrade.
Our involvement supported the project’s wider objectives of improving station services, modernising infrastructure, and preparing Darlington Station for the future — all while protecting the site’s historical significance.
This project is a clear demonstration of how Cubis’ multi-discipline, modular systems can meet the complex demands of modern rail upgrades, particularly on heritage-sensitive, high-profile sites.
