Leamside Line plans could identify housing and regen sites
Plans to reopen the 21-mile rail line could unlock opportunities across the North East, according to a report due to be considered by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
The authority has completed a Spatial Growth Plan and Economic Growth Strategy for the Leamside corridor, carried out by AECOM, identifying opportunities for development around major employment sites.
It has also carried out masterplanning work around potential new stations, looking at how they could support sustainable development, town centre renewal, improved connectivity, and wider regeneration.
The work forms part of the North East Rail Vision, which sets out the MSA’s priorities for the region’s rail network through to 2040.
The Leamside Programme aims to deliver the full 21-mile line, improving connectivity and rail capacity while supporting wider economic, housing, and transport benefits.
It includes the proposed 13km Metro extension to Washington, which would connect the town to the existing Metro network and provide easier access to jobs, education, and leisure facilities for almost 70,000 residents.
Preferred options for the Metro to Washington route and station locations have been identified, with the project now moving through development of an Outline Business Case. This is expected to be submitted in spring 2027.
The separate Leamside South project would build on the Metro extension and ultimately deliver the full Leamside Line, with potential station locations already identified.
A Strategic Outline Business Case is being prepared and is expected to be completed later this year.
The MSA’s wider Rail Vision also calls for increased rail capacity, more frequent services, improved stations and better connections across the region.
It is proposing a phased programme, with immediate priorities including developing the Leamside Line business case and increasing capacity on the Northumberland Line, followed by further station upgrades and service improvements.
The MSA is also seeking approval for a Memorandum of Understanding with Network Rail and train operators, to strengthen cooperation as the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways.
