Derby named as new headquarters of Great British Railways

Derby has been given a huge economic boost after being named as the new headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).

The Department for Transport has confirmed that the city has beaten off competition from locations around the country, including Birmingham, Newcastle and York, to be selected as the home of Britain’s rail network.

It follows a concerted campaign by the city to win GBR called Destination Derby, which was backed by the public, businesses and politicians, not just from Derby and Derbyshire, but across the region.

Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, which led the bid, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Derby has been selected to become the new home of Great British railways.

“This result is a testament to the hard work of our team, alongside our key rail and city partners based across Derby – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, which played a role in Derby’s campaign, said: “This is wonderful news. We always felt that Derby would be the right decision for GBR but were never complacent.

“I have no doubt that the city will provide the perfect platform from which GBR can operate successfully.”

GBR is a new public body that will integrate all aspects of the rail network with an aim to make UK railways more efficient.

To win GBR, Derby beat off competition from Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York, as well as 38 cities in the first round of bids.

In his written statement to Parliament, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said that Derby scored highest in the ‘Expression of Interest’ stage of the competition, which analysed its suitability against six published criteria: levelling up, connectivity, opportunities for GBR, value for money, heritage and public support.

He added that Derby also scored highest in the six-week public vote, attracting 45,600 votes, more than 5,000 ahead of the second placed location in a total vote of 205,000.

This afternoon, Mr Harper was in Derby to talk to local dignitaries about what GBR will mean for the city.

Speaking at Derby College’s Roundhouse, a building that has strong connections with the city’s rail heritage, he described it as a “day of celebration”.

He added: “Derby put in a fantastic bid – of 42 applications, Derby’s was the strongest and won the public vote.”

By becoming the new home of GBR, it will directly help level up the area by strengthening the economy, both locally and regionally.

It also hoped that the arrival of GBR will boost plans for the regeneration of the area around Derby Midland Station.

Councillor Poulter said that the choice of Derby was recognition of Derby’s long and proud rail heritage.

He said: “Rail heritage is at the heart of our city and for this to be recognised by the Government is a fantastic achievement.

“The investment we’ll see from this significant move will be huge, not only just for Derby but for levelling up across the whole of the wider East Midlands.

“Not only do we have Europe’s largest rail cluster centred right here in Derby, but we also have a rich history of being the only city in the UK to have manufactured rolling stock continuously since 1840.

“I’m thrilled that Derby’s heritage is being recognised in this defining way.

“Thank you again to everyone who took the time to back Derby’s bid, it was brilliant to have support from 22 MPs and all 40 local authorities from across the East Midlands.

“We can’t wait to see what this momentous move will mean for Derby and its citizens in the future.”

Mr Forkin also praised the team effort that helped the city land GBR.

He said: “Our bid was a real Team Derby effort – led by Derby City Council, with Derbeians, Bondholder businesses and regional players supporting the case –  and I have no doubt this helped us win the jobs and status GBR brings.

“We look forward to working with partners in the rail community and beyond in welcoming the GBR community into their new home.”

Derby is home to a number of major rail companies, including train-maker Alstom.

Nick Crossfield, managing director of Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “Derby is the heart of Britain’s rail industry, and a key cluster for advanced engineering manufacturing with the likes of Alstom, Rolls-Royce and Toyota; it is the natural choice to host Great British Railways.

“Alstom directly employs 2,000 of our people in the city and our factory is a leading global centre for train design and advanced manufacturing.

“Importantly, it is the only site in the UK where trains can be designed, developed, built and tested – as we will be doing for the next generation train for HS2.

“Having GBR in the city will help foster greater rail sector collaboration and help attract and retain the young people so vital to all our futures.”

Will Rogers, managing director of Derby-based rail operator East Midlands Railway, said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that the home of EMR will also be the home of Great British Railways, too.

“Although Derby has a proud rail history, we also know it has a bright and exciting future too and we look forward to working closely with GBR, as well as the current rail and engineering cluster to deliver a better and simpler railway for the country in the years to come.”

Among the business organisations who backed Derby’s bid was East Midlands Chamber.

Chief executive Scott Knowles said: “This is fantastic news for Derby, cementing the city’s position as a national centre of the rail industry while delivering a huge boost to the local economy.

“Derby and the rail industry go hand-in-hand, with a 200-year legacy as the centre of UK rail remaining highly relevant today as the home of the country’s largest train factory, alongside the many small businesses in the supply chain that have established one of Europe’s largest rail clusters.

“Bringing the Great British Railways headquarters to Derby builds on this expertise, further developing the skillsets from its industrial heritage and shines a spotlight on the city’s economic strengths.

“When combined with other exciting regional projects such as the East Midlands Freeport, this will help to attract new investment from companies that may wish to be located near a national centre of excellence and create jobs for these skills to thrive – benefits that will be felt across the wider region and all relevant to the Government’s levelling up agenda.”

The decision to base GBR in Derby has also been welcomed by the Rail Forum, a body representing the interests of rail companies, many of whom are based in the city and wider region.

Chief executive Elaine Clark said: “All of the finalists were strong contenders to be the  home of GBR and Rail Forum would like to commend each of the locations on the quality of  their bids.

“GBR will be the guiding mind and set the strategic direction for the future of Britain’s railways.

“Derby is an excellent location for the HQ and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with GBR Transition Team, for the benefit of all our members across the whole of the UK.”