Plan aims to put Leamside Line back on track

A new economic strategy could help unlock housing, jobs and industrial growth in County Durham by capitalising on the potential re-opening of a rail line, a regeneration boss has said.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness is set to consider a report on the Leamside Investment Corridor next week.

The route includes the 21-mile mothballed Leamside Line, which runs from Pelaw, in Gateshead, to Ferryhill, in County Durham, where it connects with the East Coast Main Line.

The route was closed to passenger services in the 1960s under Beeching cuts.

Re-opening the line has been an ambition of North East leaders for decades, with mayor McGuinness committing £8 million to create a business case to bring the northern section of the line back into use as part of proposals to extend the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington.

She will consider a report on the proposed Leamside Investment Corridor alongside North East Combined Authority cabinet members next week.

Subject to approval, up to £500,000 could be allocated to develop the strategy, which will set out a “broad, ambitious vision” to boost housing, provide better access to skills and stimulate regeneration along the line.

Mayor McGuinness said: “Our region is ambitious, and I’ve been clear I want to re-open the Leamside Line which will benefit everyone in the North East and beyond.  

“Last year, we committed £8.6 million of local funds to kick-start the detailed business cases required for the Metro to Washington and Leamside South. 

“The Investment Corridor builds on this even further. 

“Reopening the Leamside Line will play a crucial role in creating a green, world-class transport network for the North East.

“A new Leamside Investment Corridor strategy will look at the long-term opportunity for the development of new homes next to sustainable transport links. and we are engaging with Government about its new town agenda to explore what part this might play in the future.” 

It is hoped the project will attract significant Government and private sector investment, bringing “transformative change” to the region.

Mayor McGuinness added: “The new strategy will bring together the opportunities for housing, skills and growth, and will support us in bringing forward investment we hope will deliver change which will benefit many generations to come. 

“It is such an exciting time as we begin this new project, which is a major step forward for the Leamside Line.  

“This project has limitless potential that goes beyond a rail and metro link.”

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