Mayor’s delight as Becketwell confirmed for Great British Railways headquarters

Great British Railways’ new headquarters is set to be based at Becketwell in Derby city centre – a move hailed by the Mayor of the East Midlands as a “fantastic” for the city and wider region.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today confirmed Becketwell, a major city centre brownfield regeneration site, as her preferred location for the headquarters.

Mayor Claire Ward, who joined Ms Alexander at the site for today’s announcement, has championed Becketwell as the best location for Great British Railways (GBR), saying it will drive regeneration, strengthen the city centre economy and bring hundreds of workers into Derby.

Mayor Claire said: “This is fantastic news for Derby. Rail has been part of our region for generations and I’m delighted Great British Railways will be based here, bringing hundreds of jobs into the city. 

“Becketwell is transforming the city centre and GBR choosing to make its home here is a real boost for the city. Hundreds of people working there will mean more customers for local shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as more people spending time in the city centre. That’s great news for the businesses that make Derby what it is.

“I want Derby city centre to be a place where more people come to work, meet friends, shop and enjoy themselves – and where businesses feel confident about investing. Having GBR at Becketwell will bring more people into the city centre and give local businesses more opportunities to benefit.”

Great British Railways site selection

The site was initially shortlisted alongside Midland House, close to Derby Railway Station, in February, after Derby was chosen as the home of GBR’s headquarters back in 2023. The city was selected after a competitive process which showcased the city’s rail expertise, proud industrial heritage and central national location.

With confirmation of the preferred location, GBR will become the first occupants of the new 3 Springwell Square office development at Becketwell – Derby City Council describes Becketwell as “the most significant urban regeneration scheme in Derby for three decades”,

Becketwell has already delivered the Condor build-to-rent apartments, a public square, and Vaillant Live. Now, 3 Springwell Square will add about 100,000 sq feet of office space on the site of the former Duckworth Square, strengthening the city centre’s offer as a place to work, live and spend time.

‘Fantastic news’

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council leader, said: “This is fantastic news for our city centre, which will reap the benefits of hosting a key government operation.

“This has been a four-year journey and, while there are still a few stops to go, the end is now in sight and it’s full steam ahead. Once the new office is built and GBR are in place, we will be ready to begin an exciting new chapter for the city.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and be completed by spring 2029. Alongside bringing hundreds of rail jobs to the city, GBR’s new HQ will bring an estimated £151 million boost to the region’s economy, supporting the Government’s mission to drive growth in every postcode.

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.”

Apprentices plan

As next steps are taken towards creating GBR, the future of its workforce is also being secured. Up to 600 apprentices aged 16-21 will enrol over the next four years on the rail foundation apprenticeship, with the first starters based in Derby and helping to cement the city’s role as Europe’s largest rail hub and fostering the next generation of Britain’s railway workforce.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The biggest shake-up to our railways in a generation is under way. 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.” 

Mayor Claire said: “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.” 

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the modern fit-for-purpose headquarters in Derby will provide a focal point for GBR’s work, strengthening collaboration and putting Derby at the centre of the organisation’s role in improving Britain’s railways.

The site will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and be supported by better public transport links and walking routes, delivered in partnership with the DfT, Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).