Northern has received the thumbs up from Northumberland County Council for a planning application, which will see a structure built to support its staff members of the new Northumberland line.

The new facility will be built on the site of a former care home and will feature a mess room, office and a signing-in point for staff.

Ashington station and platform are currently well into their construction and, once in operation, will mark the Northumberland line’s most northerly point. Once constructed, the new Northern staff facility will be located just off of the southern end of the platform and will create a secure compound alongside access to the station car park.

Northern will begin recruitment for a team of conductors which will support the new service later in the year.

Once completed and services begin operation in 2024, the Northumberland line will support services seven days a week, creating connectivity to jobs, education and tourism across the route and providing travel into the heart of Newcastle in as little as 30 minutes.

The Government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund has enabled the exciting project to take place as part of its commitment to returning viable lost rail services to communities.

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.”