Derby’s newly regenerated Becketwell zone will be the home of Great British Railways (GBR) – it has today (Thursday, October 15) been announced.
New modern fit-for-purpose offices next to the Vaillant Live performance arena will become the new public body’s HQ after construction.
Midland House, near Derby’s railway station, was also in serious contention, but the city’s new £200m Becketwell transformation area ended up being the chosen destination.
The Department for Transport has also announced that 600 rail apprentice jobs are lined up for young city residents in the coming years.
The Government says Derby “is at the heart of a new era for British rail” – bringing investment, skills and high-quality jobs to the region.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hailed the Derby HQ confirmation as “another big step forward” in the Government’s efforts to bring the railway industry into public control.
GBR will join up the work of multiple organisations into a single body responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the railways.
The full public ownership programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
After a public vote, Derby fought off competition to be the HQ’s home from other shortlisted locations including Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.
Construction of the brand-new development at Becketwell – part of a £200 million regeneration scheme – is expected to begin in early 2027 and be completed full steam ahead by spring 2029.
The new HQ will bring hundreds of rail jobs to the city and an estimated £151 million boost to the region’s economy.
Last week, it was reported that a planning application for the new office building had been submitted to Derby City Council.
The site, located a few miles away from Derby train maker firm Alstom, will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and be supported “by better public transport links and walking routes”.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Today is another big step forward. Great British Railways will have its home in Derby, a city that has railways in its DNA. This will bring investment and good jobs, giving young people the chance to build their future in the place they call home.
“That’s how we are bringing back hope. By creating opportunity and putting the essentials back in public hands so they work for people again.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “I’m delighted Becketwell will become GBR’s new home, building on Derby’s proud rail heritage and bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to the city.
“With 600 apprenticeships opening up, we’re investing not just in the railway of tomorrow, but in the people who will build it.”
Up to 600 apprentices, between 16 and 21 years old, will enrol over the next four years on the rail foundation apprenticeship, with the first starters based in Derby and helping to cement the city’s role as Europe’s largest rail hub and fostering the next generation of Britain’s railway workforce.
Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: “This is fantastic news for our city centre, which will reap the benefits of hosting a key government operation.
“Once the new office is built and GBR are in place, we will be ready to begin an exciting new chapter for the city.”
By Nigel Slater Local Democracy Reporter