Great British Railways visit Derby for first Board meeting in the city
Published: 31 July 2023
David Fletcher (DCC), Anit Chandarana (GBRTT), Cllr Baggy Shanker (DCC), Rachel North (DCC), and Keith Williams (GBRTT).
The Transition Team working to design Great British Railways held its board meeting in GBR’s new home city for the first time on Wednesday 26 July, cementing their commitment to Derby and the new headquarters.
The board and officers from GBRTT were welcomed to the city by representatives from Derby City Council, including the Leader of the Council, Cllr Baggy Shanker, and Deputy Chief Executive Rachel North, at the historic Derby Roundhouse, Derby College.
The visit provided an opportunity for representatives from both parties to discuss progress and celebrate the potential that the move to Derby will bring.
The city was selected to be the location of the new Great British Railways headquarters in March this year, beating off fierce competition from the other shortlisted finalists Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.
Derby was shortlisted from 42 expressions of interest from towns and cities across the nation, all keen to be the home of the new ‘guiding mind’ for the railways.
Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
It was a pleasure to welcome the board of Great British Railways Transition Team to Derby for their first meeting in the city.
The Roundhouse was the perfect setting to showcase the city’s unmatched rail heritage once again, as well as its commitment to a bright future of skills, learning and innovation.
I was delighted to be able to share in positive conversations with the board about the future of GBR here in Derby. The atmosphere in the room was buzzing and ideas invigorating.
Anit Chandarana, Lead Director of GBRTT, said:
We’re grateful to Derby City Council for being such gracious hosts to our Board, as we work to create a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain. Every trip up to Derby is an opportunity to get better acquainted with this fantastic city, which will be home to GBR’s headquarters.