Northumberland Line set for £10.9 million boost

A “landmark” North East rail project is set to expand connections for passengers.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness and her cabinet have approved £10.9 million of funding to complete a new station at Northumberland Park. 

Officials say the station will link North Tyneside directly to the national rail network for the first time in decades, as well as provide seamless connections to Metro and local bus services.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I am glad we have been able to step in to make sure the station at Northumberland Park is completed as planned, serving tens of thousands of local people and connecting with Metro and local buses.

“We will provide £10.9 million in new funding to get the station construction completed. 

“This project will be transformative for local people and will provide passengers in North Tyneside with their first national rail station in modern times.

“The station will be a new major interchange between the line and our region’s Metro system – extending the benefits of the Northumberland Line and allowing passengers to enjoy seamless journeys using rail and Metro and local buses.

“I can’t wait to see passengers using the Northumberland Park Interchange.

“Residents tell me they want more rail connections and cheaper travel and this is us delivering those improvements for local people.”

The announcement follows the opening of Bebside Station, the fourth new stop on the Northumberland Line, which has seen over 650,000 passenger journeys since services began in December 2024. 

Other stations already operating include Ashington, Seaton Delaval and Newsham, with further stops planned as part of the line connecting South East Northumberland to Newcastle city centre.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, added: “The line is almost complete now and is proving to be hugely popular and very important - saving an enormous amount of car journeys and CO2 emissions.

“Northumberland Park Station in North Tyneside is a key interchange point, allowing Northumberland Line passengers to connect with Metro services, and is integral to the whole project. 

“We are therefore very grateful to mayor Kim and Combined Authority colleagues for their support.”

Karen Clark, elected mayor of North Tyneside, added: “I’m delighted that the construction of this station is set to go ahead in what is a landmark moment for North Tyneside and the wider region.

“We’re very lucky to have one of the largest business parks in the country, Cobalt Business Park, here in North Tyneside and having strong public transport links will be essential to continue supporting the economic growth of our borough. 

“This station will be key for people at every stage of their working life, from apprentices to experienced professionals, to reach their place of employment easily.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits that this development brings to North Tyneside and our people, so I would like to thank the North East Combined Authority for its ongoing support in helping to push this through.”

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