Hitachi Rail wins 'milestone' £300 million Grand Central order

A train builder has secured a £300 million contract.

Hitachi Rail is set to make rolling stock for Grand Central.

The County Durham-based firm will deliver nine trains to refresh the East Coast Mainline operator’s fleet.

Bosses say the 45-carriage venture – which will run on battery-hybrid power – will add 400,000 extra seats annually to Grand Central services between the North East, Yorkshire and London.

Trains are set to enter service in 2028.

The agreement comes just weeks after Hitachi Rail secured a separate £500 million project, with officials saying the work has “protected jobs and skills” at its 750-staff Newton Aycliffe plant following a previous dip in orders.

The latter deal comes as the rail industry celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail chief director of UK & Ireland, said the Grand Central contract was fittingly timed for a company operating from the cradle of train travel.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of the modern railway in the North East, it is symbolic that innovative battery trains are being developed in Newton Aycliffe.

“Battery trains’ ability to deliver cheaper, greener and more reliable journeys means we are unlocking a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for rail.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “This £300 million investment marks yet another step forward in securing the future of rail manufacturing in the North East.

“Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs in Newton Aycliffe.”

Grand Central – which last month announced plans to revive a London route – is operated by Arriva Group, and Amanda Furlong, Arriva UK Trains’ managing director, said the “major investment” reflects its “commitment to the UK market”.

She said: “These best-in-class, greener trains will deliver more comfortable journeys and a step-change in capacity on our popular Grand Central services.”

The rolling stock will be delivered under a ten-year leasing arrangement financed by Angel Trains. 

David Jordan, Angel Trains’ chief operating officer, said: “Our multi-million-pound investment in these trains will deliver significant benefits for Grand Central passengers, connecting communities across the North of England and driving essential economic growth.”

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