Train at Didcot station

Proposals forwarded to make Didcot new home of Great British Railways

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are making the case for Didcot to be the home of the new Great British Railways (GBR).

This follows the government’s launching of the competition in which towns and cities are being urged to apply to become the headquarters of GBR.

Local authorities outside of London are being urged to make their case to house the new GBR headquarters.

GBR will serve as a single, accountable public body which will be responsible for running Britain’s railways.

The councils have stated that various different sites within Didcot have the potential to accommodate the headquarters.

One of these proposed sites is Didcot Gateway which is set to be regenerated and is directly opposite the town’s major transport hub Didcot Parkway.

Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council spoke on the reasons why he believes Didcot should be the home of GBR.

Cllr Rouane said: “It could be argued that the railway is the heart and soul of Didcot.

“We think the town is an ideal location for the new public body to be situated.

“The sustainable public transport links we have in our garden town plans will be reflected in our bid.

“It will show our commitment to build on our railway heritage as well as demonstrate our future plans to help regenerate the town.”

Various partners are supporting the district councils to submit an Expression of Interest as the starting point of the selection process.

Councillor Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council commented on the potential benefits of choosing Didcot as the headquarters for GBR.

Cllr Smith said: “Didcot would be an excellent choice for the new GBR national headquarters.

“Looking to the future, the location is in the heart of the Science Vale, which shows how we can support organisations of any size.”

Should Didcot be shortlisted for the new headquarters residents will vote during a consultation in May and the winner will be announced this summer.

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