New depot for Northern conductors to be built in Ashington

The planning application for the building, which will have mess room facilities, an office, and a signing in point for staff has been given the go-ahead by Northumberland County Council.

Construction is already well underway on Ashington station and platform, which will be the northern-most point on the Line - which will whisk people to the centre of Newcastle in just over half an hour.

The Northern building will be located just off the southern end of the station platform, in its own secure compound with access to the station car park.

Northern is also set to recruit a team of conductors for the new service later this year.

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern said: “Bringing new rail services to the northeast as part of the Northumberland Line is really exciting and we’re honoured to be able to provide those services for all the communities based along the route.

“As well as improving connectivity within and beyond the region, our presence in Ashington will also bring more jobs and economic growth to the area.”

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for supporting business and opportunities at Northumberland County Council, added: “This is yet another boost for Ashington and the Northumberland Line as progress continues at pace.

“Building and opening this line was always going to bring more jobs and investment to the area and we’re looking forward to work starting on this part of the scheme.”

Once services get underway in 2024, passengers will enjoy services regularly operating seven days a week, providing easy access to jobs, education, and tourism opportunities.

The scheme has been made possible thanks to the government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund, which offered development funding to explore options to restore lost rail services connections to communities.