New Great British Railways HQ will deliver major city centre boost

Business leaders in Derby have welcomed the decision to site the headquarters of Great British Railways in the heart of the city centre.

Last Thursday, a launch event took place at Vaillant Live to announce that GBR will be based at 3 Springwell Square – a brand-new office building, which is set to be built on the site of the former Duckworth Square in Becketwell.

The event brought together local partners and rail industry stakeholders to celebrate such an important milestone for GBR and Derby.

As well as hearing from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and local leaders, guests also viewed exhibits showcasing Derby’s rail heritage, the regeneration of the city, and the future of GBR, which is a new public body responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the railways.

Bob Betts, executive chairman at Marketing Derby, which was among the exhibitors, said: “We are delighted that the headquarters of Great British Railways will be at Becketwell.

“It will have a significant impact on the economic vitality of the city centre, helping bring in more economically active workers, which has been a longstanding ambition for Derby.

“The new Grade A office development at Springwell Square, as part of the Becketwell regeneration scheme, will help showcase Derby city centre as a viable location for office occupiers at a time when high-quality options across the wider region are limited.”

Derby was selected as GBR’s headquarters location in 2023 after a competitive process that showcased the city’s rail expertise, proud industrial heritage and central national location.

3 Springwell Square will be a Grade A office building delivered by St James Securities as part of the £200 million regeneration of Becketwell.

Planning permission has recently been submitted for the scheme. Construction of the new office is expected to begin early next year and is expected to be complete by spring 2029.

The site will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and bring an estimated £151 million boost to the region’s economy.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Becketwell is one of our flagship regeneration schemes and a shining example of what targeted investment can achieve.

“Working jointly with our development partners, St James Securities and Peveril Securities, we have already delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city.

“With the addition of GBR now confirmed, we reaffirm to investors that Derby is well and truly open for business and we are ready to unlock further development and employment opportunities in the city centre.

“A busy, attractive, and well-occupied city centre will also draw more students, visitors, helping to create a more vibrant place to live and work.”

3 Springwell Square builds on the success of earlier phases of Becketwell, including the Condor build-to-rent apartments, Springwell Square and Vaillant Live.

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Derby and a tremendous vote of confidence in both the city and the Becketwell development.

“From the beginning, we believed 3 Springwell Square offered Great British Railways a unique opportunity – a modern, highly sustainable headquarters building located at the centre of a transformational regeneration scheme in the UK’s rail capital.

“Derby’s rail heritage, skills base and industry expertise are second to none, and we are delighted that Great British Railways has chosen to make its home here.

“The decision will bring long-term benefits to the city, attract further investment and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

As well as announcing the location for GBR’s headquarters, the Government also announced that up to 600 apprentices aged between 16 to 21 years old will enrol over the next four years on the GBR Rail Foundation Apprenticeship Scheme, with the first starters based in Derby.

The decision has also been welcomed by East Midlands Chamber.

Chief executive Scott Knowles, who attended last Thursday’s launch event, said: “Derby has been at the centre of rail for nearly two centuries and is looked up to on a worldwide scale for innovation.

“With iconic trains, operated the world over and across the UK having been built in Derby, there could not be a better place for Great British Railways to make its home.

“The significant boost for employment and the overall economic growth potential this decision will bring to Derby, the county, supply chains and the wider East Midlands cannot be understated and I very much welcome the confidence the Department for Transport has placed in Derby.

“This decision will help maintain Derby’s position on the world stage for innovation long into the future and further contribute to the UK economy, while the Rail Foundation Apprenticeship is expected to create opportunities for hundreds of young people, providing the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”