Two sites in Derby have been shortlisted as the potential home of the new Great British Railways (GBR) headquarters, marking another significant milestone in the transformation of Britain’s rail industry.
The shortlisted locations are Becketwell, a major city‑centre brownfield regeneration site, and Midland House, a historic railway building directly opposite Derby station. Both locations have emerged as the most viable options from an initial five‑site longlist.
Derby was confirmed as the future home of the GBR headquarters in March 2023, following a competitive national bid that highlighted the city’s rich rail heritage, strong existing rail industry presence, and central location within the UK. Since 2024, Derby has also hosted a Great British Railways Transition Team office at John Ellis House, further embedding the city at the heart of rail reform.
Great British Railways will ultimately bring together the work of 17 separate organisations into a single, unified body responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Britain’s railways. Until GBR is formally established, Network Rail and the DfT Operator (DFTO) — which oversees nationalised train operating companies — are acting as the “twin engines” driving the transition.
The final decision on the headquarters location, expected before the end of 2026, will be based on several criteria, including regeneration and economic value, value for money, and environmental and social impact.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
"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."
Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail, added:
“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 DfT Operator, 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.”
While Derby will host the national headquarters, GBR will operate as a truly national organisation, with a new governance framework designed to give local leaders a stronger voice in how railways are run in their areas. This includes enhanced roles for devolved ministers in Scotland and Wales, ensuring the future railway remains closely connected to the communities it serves across Great Britain.
Image credit: Network Rail
