Derby has been confirmed as the future home of Great British Railways (GBR), marking a significant milestone in the Government's ambitions to create a unified, publicly owned railway focused on passengers rather than shareholders.
The announcement sees Derby strengthen its position as the UK's rail capital, with a purpose-built headquarters at the Becketwell regeneration site expected to accommodate up to 450 GBR employees. Construction is due to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for spring 2029.
The project is forecast to deliver a £151 million economic boost to the region while bringing hundreds of skilled rail jobs into the city.
The move forms part of wider rail reform plans that have already seen train operators return to public ownership. According to the Government, this approach has helped deliver a fare freeze for the first time in three decades, introduced an additional 76,000 seats per week across the network and paved the way for a new fleet of GBR trains to be built in Britain.
Derby's Rail Heritage Recognised
The new headquarters will be located at Becketwell, a major regeneration development in Derby city centre. The site will act as the operational heart of GBR, bringing together teams responsible for shaping the future of Britain's railways.
The headquarters will be supported by improved public transport connections and enhanced walking routes, delivered through collaboration between the Department for Transport, Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined Authority.
The announcement also builds on the recent £1 billion investment in a new fleet of trains for the North, which will be manufactured at Alstom's Derby facility, supporting further skilled jobs and apprenticeships.
600 New Railway Apprenticeships Announced
Alongside the headquarters development, the Government has confirmed that up to 600 young people aged between 16 and 21 will enrol on a new rail foundation apprenticeship programme over the next four years.
The first apprentices will be based in Derby, helping to address an industry challenge where fewer than seven per cent of the railway workforce is currently under the age of 25.
The foundation apprenticeship programme combines practical workplace experience with formal qualifications and forms part of the Government's wider Youth Guarantee initiative.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Decision
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
"For too long, people have put up with a railway that often lets them down. When you are trying to get to work, see your family, or get home, you should be able to rely on your train turning up.
"Today is another big step forward. 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.
"That’s how we are bringing back hope. By creating opportunity and putting the essentials back in public hands so they work for people again."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
"The biggest shake-up to our railways in a generation is underway. 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.
"With 600 apprenticeships opening up, we’re investing not just in the railway of tomorrow, but in the people who will build it."
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:
"We are determined to build the strong pipeline of skilled workers on which a thriving rail sector depends.
"This foundation apprenticeship will give young people the chance to explore career paths within the sector at an exciting time, developing their technical knowledge and skillset while earning.
"This forms part of our £2.5 billion youth employment support package which is creating up to 500,000 opportunities for young people to earn or learn, while backing employers with the support they need to take on young people."
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said:
"This is fantastic news for Derby. Rail has been part of our region for generations and I’m delighted that Great British Railways will be based here, bringing hundreds of jobs into the city.
"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."
A New Chapter for Britain's Railways
With a new headquarters, a major apprenticeship programme and significant investment flowing into Derby, the city is set to play a central role in the future of Britain's rail network.
For the rail sector, the announcement represents more than just a new office location. It signals another step towards the creation of Great British Railways as a single guiding body for the industry, with Derby firmly positioned at the heart of the UK's railway renaissance.
Image credit: Department for Transport
