Exciting plans are underway to restore the Leamside Line, potentially creating a new town and boosting jobs in the North East
Gateshead: Big changes might be coming to the Leamside railway line. If all goes well, a new town could pop up nearby. The line has been out of use for years, but local leaders want to bring it back.
This line stretches 21 miles from Pelaw in Gateshead to Tursdale in County Durham. Restoring it could cost over £1 billion, but it would allow trains to reach Washington. Plus, it could ease congestion on the busy East Coast Main Line.
New plans are in the works to see how this could help nearby areas like Ferryhill and Penshaw. The idea is to create new homes and jobs by improving transport links.
The North East Combined Authority is set to allocate up to £500,000 soon. This money will help develop an investment strategy for towns along the line, which lost passenger services in the 1960s.
Mayor Kim McGuinness believes this project is crucial for the North East’s future. She’s already committed over £8 million to get things moving. But, it will need a lot of investment from both private companies and the government.
One estimate for a Washington Metro Loop alone was around £745 million, but it’s now listed as a £900 million project. McGuinness is determined to reopen the Leamside Line, saying it will benefit everyone in the region.
She mentioned that the project has huge potential beyond just trains. They’re looking to create affordable homes and good jobs, connecting people to major employers like Nissan.
The new strategy aims to combine housing, skills, and growth opportunities. It’s an exciting time for the Leamside Line project, which could change lives for generations.
With the Washington Metro extension, the region could see a £90 million annual boost to the economy and cut down on CO2 emissions significantly.
