Direct Seaham to London rail services hailed as boost for regional growth
Open access operator Grand Central has launched the first-ever direct rail services between Seaham and London, significantly improving long-distance connectivity for the County Durham coastal town.
The historic milestone was marked with a celebration event at Seaham station, attended by local MP Grahame Morris alongside councillors, businesses and members of the community. The new services were described by attendees as “invaluable” for residents and the wider local economy.
The 10:41 service from Seaham to London was welcomed into the station, before Grahame Morris MP boarded the train to travel to Parliament. He also addressed passengers via the tannoy to mark the launch of the new route.
Until now, passengers travelling from Seaham to London were required to change trains, with journey times of up to four hours. The introduction of a direct service is expected to reduce travel times by around 35 minutes, offering a faster and more convenient option for both business and leisure travellers.
The new route builds on Grand Central’s established role in improving connectivity for under-served communities in the North East, including Sunderland, Hartlepool and Eaglescliffe. The operator says its services play a key role in supporting regional growth, linking areas outside London with a combined GDP of £113bn directly to the capital.
Earlier this year, Arriva, which operates Grand Central, placed a £300 million order for new tri-mode trains following the extension of its track access rights. The trains will be built at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory in the North East and are expected to increase seating capacity by 20 per cent across Grand Central routes.
Grand Central has also highlighted how open access services can complement the future Great British Railways structure, making better use of network capacity while supporting the UK Government’s rail reform programme.
To extend the celebrations locally, Grand Central will be handing out free hot chocolate at the Seaham Seaside Market on Church Street on Friday 19 December, raising awareness of the new route and its benefits.
Chris Brandon, Director at Grand Central, said:
“Today is a milestone not just for Grand Central, but for Seaham. For the first time in history, residents here have a direct, reliable connection to London — a connection that reflects the town’s growing ambition and needs. This launch reflects our mission to continue investing in the North East: through our £300 million order of new trains, and through seeking increased track access rights, which will allow us to provide more services in the region for years to come. Our focus remains on delivering the essential services that communities need, at no cost to the taxpayer, while supporting regional economic growth.”
Grahame Morris, Member of Parliament for Easington, said:
“It’s fantastic news that Grand Central has launched its new four-a-day stopping service from Seaham to London. This service will be invaluable for my constituents, whether travelling for work or leisure, providing direct connections to both York and London. The East Durham Coastline has been underused for decades, and I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route and worked hard to make it a reality. This is a major step forward for our constituency’s connectivity and local economy, opening up new opportunities for jobs, tourism, and investment. I will continue to work closely with Grand Central to ensure these services continue well beyond the initial one-year approval period.”
Image: Grand Central