City deals round-up

A specialist rail engineering services provider has relocated to train-maker Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby.

Yellow Rail, which is part of the Buckland Rail group, is to move to the firm’s train manufacturing site, which will allow it to more than double its current workshop space dedicated to the overhaul of freight wagons and bogies.

The long-term lease will also provide ample space for growth, allowing remote field service activities to be brought on to the site and enable Yellow Rail to create around 25 new roles.

Paul Cunningham, managing director at Yellow Rail, said: “This is a transformative moment for Yellow Rail.

“Relocating to Litchurch Lane not only gives us the vital space we need to expand our growing business, but it also allows us to work more closely with Alstom and other industry partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers.

“We are excited about the opportunities this move unlocks for our people, our partners and the wider rail community.”

With its impressive rail heritage and position at the heart of Europe’s largest rail cluster, the city of Derby employs more than 11,000 people in sector companies.

In 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities.

Meanwhile, an industry-wide hub – known as Rail Campus Derby – has also been established to co-locate businesses in the orbit of the new headquarters to encourage innovation and investment.

Andy Butters, managing director of Derby Litchurch Lane Works at Alstom, said: “We are delighted to welcome Yellow Rail to our Derby site, an organisation that reflects our shared commitment to the future of rail in the UK.

“This collaboration is a testament to the strength of our city’s rail ecosystem and our ambition to keep it thriving for generations to come, while also representing a first step to bringing Great British Railway’s plans for Rail Campus Derby to fruition.”

Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets.

The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876, and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839.

Baggy Shanker, Labour MP for Derby South, said: “Yellow Rail’s move to Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site is a fantastic boost for Derby and another clear vote of confidence in our city’s rail industry.

“This relocation not only brings new skilled jobs to the area but also strengthens Derby’s position at the forefront of UK rail innovation. I’m proud to see our city continue to lead the way in shaping the future of rail.”

Elsewhere, the Derbion shopping centre has welcomed new investments.

Following the recent reopening of Zizzi, Derbion has revealed that KRCS and the much-loved Italian eatery have invested more than £500,000 combined to refresh their existing spaces at the centre.

Zizzi has recently reopened on Level 2 following a short closure, where the restaurant, which has been part of the centre for over a decade, underwent a stylish refresh to update the space.

Elsewhere, premium Apple reseller, KRCS has invested in new and improved store, with enhanced displays and refreshed window features.

Alongside existing brands choosing to strengthen their presence at the centre, new brands are also set to join Derbion in June, including Seasalt and Victoria’s Secret.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “We’re proud that so many of our brands are demonstrating their confidence in the centre by investing in new shop fits and the latest store concepts.”