Derby has been selected to become the home of Great British Railways (GBR).
The city has been named as the new organisations national headquarters, marking a key milestone in the government’s plan to reform the railways.
As Europe’s largest rail hub, Derby will soon become the heart of the country’s rail industry too.
The government says the announcement brings track and train together and the new headquarters will provide high-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with the best talent in the industry.
Derby came top out of the six locations in the public vote and in the formal assessment.
The government says the city’s application demonstrated strong links to the wider network plus well-established connections with the industry, supply chain and customers.
There’s also 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.”
Leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Chris Poulter, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Derby has been selected to become the 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.
“Rail heritage is at the heart of our city and for this to be recognised by 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.”
Cllr Poulter added: “We have a rich history of being the only city in the UK to have manufactured rolling stock continuously since 1840, so I’m thrilled that Derby’s heritage is being recognised in this defining way.
“We can’t wait to see what this momentous move will mean for Derby and its citizens in the future.”
While GBR’s new headquarters will be in Derby, other towns and cities across Britain could still benefit – and this includes those that missed out, such as Crewe and York.
The government says it is looking into the possibility of regional hubs for GBR, equipped with local decision making and investment powers aimed at benefiting local communities.
The new organisation itself will have roles spanning across Great Britain.
It key priority will be passengers and freight customers – but it will also take control of the industry’s finances to drive efficiency.
Anit Chandarana, lead director at the Great British Railways Transition Team, said: “The announcement that Derby will be the home of the Great British Railways headquarters is another important milestone on our journey to create a simpler and better railway for everyone in Britain.
“Although Derby will be the home of our headquarters, Great British Railways will also introduce empowered regional centres, to bring decision making and leadership much closer to local customers and communities.
“The Transition Team is continuing to work with government and the wider rail industry to deliver this much needed reform and we look forward to working with colleagues in Derby in the coming months, too.”
The transition team will now work with local leaders in Derby to identify a suitable site within the city for the new hq.
