THE new operator of the East Coast Mainline has confirmed the operation’s headquarters for the operation will remain in York.

The city, which has been the home of the operation since before the Second World War, will keep the headquarters following an announcement from Virgin Trains East Coast yesterday.

Virgin Trains East Coast, which is made up of a consortium of Stagecoach and Virgin, had previously remained tight-lipped about the location for its HQ after being awarded the franchise to run the line by the Department for Transport last month.

As well as a promise to keep the operational offices, currently employing almost 200 people in Skeldergate, within York, Virgin Trains East Coast has confirmed its commitment to open a new rail academy in the city from 2016.

Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “York has a great rail heritage and forms a big part of our plans.

“As well as continuing to be home to the headquarters for the route, we will be opening a new National Academy for Rail Professional Education in 2016, with one of the bases in York.

“While the franchise officially begins in March next year, our team are already planning ahead to build on the strong pride, heritage and success at East Coast.

“Over the coming months, we will be working closely with employees and the management team to ensure a smooth transition to the new franchise.

“We look forward to welcoming staff into the Stagecoach and Virgin family and making Virgin Trains East Coast a huge success.”

Virgin Trains East Coast will take over responsibility for running the franchise in March next year, having been awarded an eight-year contract In the days after the franchise was awarded to Virgin East Coast, York MPs Julian Sturdy and Hugh Bayley campaigned to ensure the headquarters were kept in York.

Speaking after yesterday’s announcement, Mr Sturdy said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the new operator has come out with this news.

“For generations York has been the beating heart of the East Coast Mainline.

“For me it was absolutely vital that whoever the new operator was, they kept the headquarters in our city.

“It is great news that they have come out so quickly in their decision, so as not to leave a question mark hanging over the future of the headquarters.

“I’m really pleased, and this is an early Christmas present indeed for everyone involved in working at the headquarters.”

Mr Bayley said: “This is welcome news and will provide reassurance to the staff currently working at the headquarters. I’ll be talking to Virgin Trains East Coast to make sure that all the jobs which are currently part of the HQ are kept.

“I’m also very pleased to hear of plans for a new rail academy in the city.”

City of York Council has also welcomed the news surrounding the headquarters, and the new rail academy. Cllr David Levene, cabinet member for Transport, said “We fully support this continued investment in the city.

“It’s important that we support and grow our existing talent pool of 5,000 people working in the rail related industry in York.

“This is great news for everyone who wants better main line services and to emphasise that York is a natural home for the rail industry, with ready access to skilled people and other rail organisations.”