Grand Central Updates Cleethorpes Service Plans and Confirms New Train Class

Grand Central has revised its proposal to introduce direct rail services between London King’s Cross and Cleethorpes, providing further detail on stops and future rolling stock.

The open access operator initially submitted plans in March 2025 to operate four return journeys per day to the Lincolnshire resort, with stops including Scunthorpe, Habrough and Grimsby. The service would link with existing London–Doncaster routes, with trains splitting and joining at Doncaster.

In its updated application, Grand Central has added Barnetby as a stop on all services, along with extra calls at Peterborough—two additional stops on weekdays and Saturdays, and one on Sundays.

The company also confirmed that current services would initially be operated using Class 180 diesel trains. These will later be replaced by new tri-mode units, now officially designated as Class 820, which are being built by Hitachi.

Nine five-car Class 820 trains were ordered last year, with delivery expected from 2028. Grand Central said it may expand the fleet by two additional units if it secures long-term track access rights through to 2038, matching its existing routes to Bradford and Sunderland.

As part of its submission to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the operator indicated it could lease additional Class 180 trains from late 2026 to bridge the gap until the new fleet arrives. Several of these units, owned by Angel Trains, are currently available.

Grand Central said it has been in detailed discussions with Network Rail and believes there are no major barriers to launching the service. However, Network Rail has yet to formally support or oppose the proposal.

One potential concern is the plan to split and join trains at Doncaster. While Grand Central argues this approach avoids the need for extra capacity on the East Coast Main Line, it has acknowledged the operational risks and said it will work closely with Network Rail to develop contingency plans and minimise disruption.

The operator added that it has already outlined proposed procedures for coupling and uncoupling trains, along with backup plans, within its application.