Derby to be heart of UK rail industry

Derby has been named as the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) after winning a national competition, marking a key milestone in the Government’s plan to reform the nation’s railways.

As Europe’s largest rail hub, Derby will soon become the heart of the UK’s rail industry too, bringing track and train together and delivering high-skilled jobs to a city the Government said is “already brimming with t he best talent in the industry”.

Derby fought off competition from other shortlisted locations –Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York – after coming top in both an assessment process and public vote that was backed by the Chamber.

The Department for Transport, announcing the result of the contest, said Derby’s application “demonstrated strong links to the wider network, well-established connections with the industry, supply chain and customers, as well as an extensive local cluster of private sector rail businesses”.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “It’s full steam ahead for the reform of our railways and today’s announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country.

“Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network.”

The Chamber’s chief executive Scott Knowles said the announcement “cements the city’s position as a national centre of the rail industry while delivering a huge boost to the local economy”.

He added: “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.”

GBR is a new state-owned body that will set timetables and prices, procure passenger services and manage rail infrastructure. Its transition team will now work with Derby City Council to identify a site for the headquarters.