In 1996, HM Rail Inspectorate approved plans to extend the Metro between Pelaw, Sunderland and South Hylton, along tracks shared with heavy rail DCL services, subject to funding being raised. A grant of £15 million was awarded by the European Regional Development Fund, but this was subject to the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus) being able to obtain £35 million of central government funding. Such funding was awarded in 1999 and, along with £8 million provided by Nexus and a further £40 million invested by Railtrack, enabled construction work to commence in June 2000. As part of this project, three new purpose-built Metro stations were constructed along the Durham Coast Line at Fellgate, Stadium of Light and St Peter's, the latter of which was constructed close to the site of the long-closed Monkwearmouth station. Existing rail stations at Brockley Whins, East Boldon and Seaburn were converted for Metro services.