Derby welcomes final shortlist for Great British Railways’ HQ location

Two sites in Derby have made the final shortlist for the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

Becketwell, in the city centre, and Midland House, opposite Derby Midland Station, have been deemed the most viable sites from a five-strong long-list.

Derby was named as the home of GBR’s HQ in March 2023 after a competitive bid process, which highlighted the city’s strong rail heritage, existing industry presence and central national location.

It has also been home to a GBR Transition Team office in John Ellis House since 2024.

Becketwell is a brownfield site in the heart of the city, which is currently undergoing a £200 million transformation being led by St James Securities on behalf of Derby City Council, while Midland House is an existing railway building, close to the station.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is welcome progress in the establishment of Great British Railways in Derby, and I’m delighted that a shortlist has now been agreed.

“This is the news that we’ve been waiting for, and crucially we have a timeframe for a decision to be made. We now want to go full steam ahead with getting GBR up and running in the city.”

Rail minister Lord Hendy said: “Derby will be the heart of Great British Railways, and with these shortlisted locations, we’re one step closer to bringing highly skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry history and talent.”

GBR will bring together the work of 17 different organisations into a single organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the UK’s railways.

Until then, Network Rail and the DfT Operator (DFTO) – home to nationalised train companies – are acting as ‘twin engines’ to drive the transition.

The final decision on HQ location – expected before the end of 2026 – will be made based on a range of factors, including regeneration and economic value, value for money, and environmental and social impact.

Nadine added: “The arrival of this strategic government operation has the potential to deliver huge benefits for Derby.

“More people working in our city centre means more people using our vibrant retail and hospitality sector, supporting local jobs and businesses.

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

“We are already seeing what targeted investment can achieve through the Becketwell regeneration scheme, which has already delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city.

“Adding GBR to this mix would build on that momentum, anchoring further regeneration, giving confidence to investors, and helping unlock additional development and employment opportunities in and around the city centre.”

Jeremy Westlake, chief executive for Network Rail, said: “This is an important step forward on our journey to GBR, and we are excited to be working with longstanding partners in Derby, as we come together to create a centre of excellence which will play a key role in the future of the entire railway industry.

“Having lived and worked in Derby for 18 years, it is an excellent location for a national transport organisation like Great British Railways, with all its rail heritage and strong industrial base.”

Alex Hynes, chief executive of DFTO, said: “This is a positive step as the journey towards Great British Railways accelerates.

“Derby shares a deep and rich connection with our rail industry, and as momentum builds towards GBR, we will continue to work together with colleagues in the city and across industry, to build a better railway for everyone in Britain.”