Make the most of the Victorian terminus at Seaton this year as it looks as if by Easter 2018 it will be a distant memory with work on the redevelopment expected to start this October. The new Seaton Tramway leaflet has confirmed the news with a revised service set to operate throughout October and during the pre and post Christmas period including a shuttle bus service running between the old terminus and Riverside Depot.
As has been reported previously plans are in place to build a new modern style terminus to be more in keeping with the newer surrounding buildings of Tesco and Seaton Jurassic. This will be a new covered terminus – at times waiting for a tram at the current Seaton terminus can be a less than ideal experience in more inclement weather conditions – and there will also be in-depth interpretation boards of the tramway’s route and history. With a modern terminus provided at Seaton the idea will be that visitors take a “Journey in Time” as they head back to Colyton which will remain in its current Victorian railway station style.
The redevelopment of the terminus was originally expected to take place over winter 2015/16 but delays to the project – including getting enough funding – have meant that the Victorian terminus will have enjoyed an extra two years in use. Work is due to commence in October 2017 with completion due for Easter 2018.
As a result of this no trams will be able to run all the way to Seaton terminus from 1st October onwards. Throughout October and then during the Polar Express trips in December and also the post Christmas operation all trams will run between Riverside Depot and Colyton only but a vintage shuttle bus service will be provided to Riverside from the old Seaton terminus. Ticket prices will also include a behind the scenes tour.
This 4th May 2013 view shows trams 11 and 10 at the current Seaton terminus waiting for their next duties. (Photograph by Gareth Prior)