GBR hold first board meeting in Derby since becoming HQ

The team working to design Great British Railways has held its first board meeting in Derby since the city was announced as its new headquarters.

The board and officers from the Great British Railways Transition Team were recently welcomed to the city by representatives from Derby City Council, including council leader Councillor Baggy Shanker and deputy chief executive Rachel North.

The visit to Derby College Group’s Roundhouse site provided an opportunity for representatives from both parties to discuss progress and celebrate the potential that the move to Derby will bring.

The city was selected to be the location of the new GBR headquarters in March, beating off competition from other shortlisted finalists Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

Councillor Shanker said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the board of Great British Railways to Derby for their first meeting in the city.

“The Roundhouse was the perfect setting to showcase the city’s unmatched rail heritage once again, as well as its commitment to a bright future of skills, learning and innovation.”

Derby was shortlisted out of 42 expressions of interest from towns and cities across the country, all keen to be the home of the new ‘guiding mind’ for the railways.

As well as putting together the winning business case, Derby also came top in a public vote to become the new home of GBR.

It is hoped that GBR’s arrival will not only attract more rail-related firms to the city but will also help kick-start the regeneration of the area around Derby Midland Station.

Councillor Shanker added: “I was delighted to be able to share in positive conversations with the board about the future of GBR here in Derby.

“The atmosphere in the room was buzzing and ideas invigorating.”

Anit Chandarana, lead director of Great British Railways Transition Team, said: “We’re grateful to Derby City Council for being such gracious hosts to our board, as we work to create a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain.

“Every trip up to Derby is an opportunity to get better acquainted with this fantastic city, which will be home to GBR’s headquarters.”