The Tyne and Wear Metro could be set to get bigger in the coming years after North East Mayor Kim McGuinness confirmed funding was available to develop a business case. This could see the network extended to Washington as part of the reopening of the Leamside Line.
A report is due to be presented to the North East Combined Authority’s Cabinet in July and this will recommend that £8.6 million is allocated to develop business cases for the Leamside Line – which will include the Metro extension to Washington.
But don’t get excited that this will happen soon. The business case alone would not be completed until spring 2026.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “The Washington Metro Loop will be truly transformative, enhancing access to employment opportunities, education, healthcare and leisure activities for the people of Washington. This funding will enable Nexus to develop a detailed business case and marks a really positive step forward in the project.”
The outline business case – which will be prepared by Nexus – will provide full information on proposed stops and stations, economic impact data and estimated costings. A second stage of the funding will see £600,000 allocated towards a strategic outline case for the next phase (Leamside South).