Derby city centre location confirmed for new Great British Railways HQ

The Government has today confirmed that the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) will be housed in a brand-new building in the heart of Derby city centre.

GBR, a new public body responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the railways, will be based at 3 Springwell Square – a Grade A office building being delivered by St James Securities as part of the £200 million regeneration of Becketwell.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Great British Railways will bring the railway together around one mission – better services for passengers – with Derby at the heart of its future.

 “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.”

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: “This is fantastic news for our city centre, which will reap the benefits of hosting a key government operation.

“More workers in the city will be using our transport, eating in our restaurants, and supporting our amazing local businesses. Once the new office is built and GBR are in place, we will be ready to begin an exciting new chapter for the city.”

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.

As well as revealing the location for GBR’s headquarters, the Government has 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.

It said the new headquarters site and foundation apprenticeships will connect young people to opportunities, helping to secure the future of the industry at a time when less than seven per cent of the railway’s workforce is under 25.

Foundation apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with a qualification, giving young people a route into skilled work as part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “I’m particularly pleased about the 600 apprenticeship places. Young people should have the chance to learn new skills and build a career in an industry with such deep roots here, without feeling they have to move away to find those opportunities.

“Derby has a proud place in Britain’s railway industry, and this announcement gives the next generation a chance to be part of its future. It’s an opportunity to bring more skilled jobs into the region and help young people take their first steps into work.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “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.”