The derelict former Duckworth Square, left, is what people see currently visiting the new Vaillant Arena but it is one of two sites shortlisted for the home of GBR(Image: Derby Telegraph)
After months of deliberation, and whittling the selection down from five locations, two city sites have been selected for the shortlist to become the new home of Great British Railways (GBR) – a single organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving our railways.
The former Duckworth Square site in the Becketwell regeneration area and Midland House, an existing railway building opposite Derby station, have now been deemed the most viable sites of the five-strong list.
Derby was named as the home of GBR’s HQ in March 2023, after a competitive bid process in which its strong rail heritage, existing industry presence and central national location were highlighted. It has also been home to a GBR Transition Team office in John Ellis House since 2024.
GBR will bring together the work of 17 different railway organisations but, until then, Network Rail and the DfT Operator (DFTO) – the government’s public sector rail owning group – are driving the transition.
Midland House, in Nelson Street, is the other site shortlisted to become the HQ of Great British Railways
The city’s two MPs have already made up their minds. Derby South Labour (Co-op) MP Baggy Shanker said: “I’ve been backing Derby as the home for GBR for many years, and the shortlisting of two sites in our city is an important step forward.
“The priority now is making sure the headquarters delivers the strongest return for Derby, and that is why I support the city centre site.
“Locating it there would bring more people into the city centre each day, increasing footfall, supporting local businesses and strengthening the wider local economy.
“GBR is also good news for passengers, with frozen fares, a stronger focus on better journeys, and Derby right at the heart of delivering those improvements.”
Labour MP for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson, added: “For me, the city centre site is the right choice because it would connect Great British Railways to the wider regeneration of Derby and help bring those benefits into the heart of the city.”
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.
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.
“We’re working with local partners and teams around the country to design an organisation that will put passengers front and centre, driving jobs, growth and innovation in the Midlands and beyond.”
Funding to help kick-start the regeneration of the Duckworth Square area has already been set aside by EMCCA, the East Midlands Combined Authority, which will involve Grade A office space being built there – regardless of whether GBR moves in.
The office space is part of the long-term £200 million plan to regenerate Becketwell which has already led to the Condor apartment block and Vaillant Live being built by St James Securities (SJS).
Midland House is a former railway building which has had a variety of uses in the past few years – including as a school and also as a Covid vaccination centre during the pandemic.
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, added: “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.”
Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield welcomed the announcement of the shortlist and said: “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.
“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.
“Adding GBR to the Becketwell regeneration scheme would give confidence to investors and help unlock additional development and employment opportunities in and around the city centre.
“The railways are a vital lifeblood for our city and have been for almost two centuries. For over 180 years Derby has been at the centre of rail manufacturing, development, and operations, providing crucial investment and skilled jobs to generations of citizens.
“The full arrival of GBR in Derby is the next chapter in this proud history. While there are still steps on this journey, Derby is ready to welcome Great British Railways.”