Great British Railways HQ location confirmed

The headquarters of the new state-owned body for the country's railways has been announced.

Two sites in Derby were shortlisted to become the home of Great British Railways, with the former Duckworth Square, next to the Vaillant Live entertainment venue, being confirmed by the government.

The decision comes after a planning application was submitted to build an eight-storey office building on the brownfield site, which forms part of Derby's wider £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme.

The government said the decision marked a "significant milestone" which is expected to bring "hundreds of jobs" to the area and a £151m boost to the wider regional economy.

The first cohort of up to 600 new rail apprenticeship places will also be based at the city centre site, set to be 106,544 sq ft (9,898 sq m).

Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the decision as "another big step forward" for the government's plans to establish a publicly-owned railway.

"Great British Railways will have its home in Derby, a city that has railways in its DNA," he said.

"This will bring investment and good jobs, giving young people the chance to build their future in the place they call home."

Construction of the new development, which had been shortlisted alongside Midland House, opposite Derby Railway Station, is expected to begin in early 2027 and be completed by spring 2029.

It has been described by the government as a "modern fit-for-purpose headquarters" that will provide "a focal point" for GBR.

The site will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and there are plans for improved public transport links and walking routes to the site from Derby station, likely delivered through separate city regeneration schemes in the pipeline.

The developer of the site, St James Securities, said the plans for the GBR HQ included an extension to Springwell Square and a new "pocket park" in Macklin Street.

Paul Morris, development director of St James Securities, said the application came after "strong support" following a public consultation.

"The proposals have been shaped by the valuable feedback received during the public consultation, and we're pleased to bring forward plans for a landmark office building that will deliver high-quality, sustainable workspace alongside attractive new public spaces in the heart of the city," he said.

The new public body will own the rail infrastructure, procure passenger services and set most fares and timetables.

In May 2021, former transport secretary Grant Shapps announced GBR would be set up to replace what he called an "overcomplicated and fragmented" system.

After a lengthy process, Derby beat five other towns and cities to be the headquarters of the body, which will oversee rail transport in Great Britain.

The creation of GBR needs to be signed into law via the Railways Bill, which the government hopes will receive Royal Assent by the end of 2027.

Derby City Council leader, Nadine Peatfield, said she was "delighted" the Becketwell site had been selected.

"This is the news we've been waiting for," she said.

"This has been a four-year journey and, while there are still a few stops to go, the end is now in sight and it's full steam ahead.

"Once the new office is built and GBR is in place, we will be ready to begin an exciting new chapter for the city."

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