Great British Railways HQ Site Unveiled in Derby

The site of Great British Railways’ (GBR) headquarters has been officially unveiled in Derby, and will offer up to 600 young people new apprenticeships over the next four years.

Marking a key milestone in GBR’s establishment, construction of the site at Becketwell is expected begin in early 2027, with completion currently anticipated by spring 2029.

Once completed, the HQ is expected to bring hundreds of rail jobs to the city, as well as an estimated 151 million GBP boost to the region’s overall economy. It will aim to provide a focal point for GBR’s work, strengthening potential collaboration and placing Derby at the heart of the organisation’s role in the improvement of Britain’s railways.

New apprentices will begin their careers at the HQ, and up to 600 apprentices aged between 16-21 years old will enrol over the next few years as part of the rail foundation apprenticeships. The site will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff, and be supported by public transport links and walking routes delivered in partnership with the Department for Transport, Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined Authority.

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.

Once completed, the formation of Great British Railways will see all private operators’ services brought into public ownership. Thus far, 10 companies are now under the arm of the Government, and the scheme has thus far seen fares frozen, 76,000 extra seats introduced across the network each week, and a fleet of new GBR trains announced to be built in Britain.

The HQ announcement builds on a recent 1 billion GBP investment in a new fleet of trains for the north, which will be built at Alstom’s site in Derby.