Derby City Council's statement on Great British Railways

Published: 19 October 2022

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said:

“Clearly it is disappointing for Derby and for the other competing locations to hear that the announcement been delayed.

“It seems prudent for Government to announce the preferred HQ location, given the extensive process undertaken, including the online public vote. This would not only provide reassurances on the progression of the levelling up agenda, but also create the opportunity for the selected host location to start to develop a relationship with the GBR team and to build some firm foundations for the organisation’s future development and growth.

“With the largest cluster of rail businesses in Europe and significant industry support, Derby has proven itself as the best location for the headquarters of Great British Railways. “Derby’s rich rail heritage and deep-rooted culture of innovation make it the ideal location to co-ordinate a modern, British railway for the 21st century and become the home of GBR’s new headquarters.

“The case for locating Great British Railways in Derby is very strong. With a rich 200-year legacy as the centre of the rail industry in Britain, Derby is not only the UK’s leading centre for rail innovation but geographically sits in the heart of the UK’s rail network.

“Over the summer, residents and industry from across the East Midlands came together to showcase all which Derby has to offer and put our case to Government as to why Derby is the perfect location to be the new home of Great British Railways."

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