Two Derby Sites Shortlisted for Great British Railways HQ
- The selection process for the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) has reached its final stage, with two specific sites in Derby now shortlisted for the role.
- The two finalists deemed the most viable from a five-strong long-list are Becketwell and Midland House.
- The final selection will be based on several key metrics, including value for money, environmental and social impact, and overall regeneration and economic value.
The selection process for the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) has reached its final stage, with two specific sites in Derby now shortlisted for the role. The decision follows a competitive bidding process that originally identified Derby as the home for the national rail body in March 2023.
The two finalists deemed the most viable from a five-strong long-list are Becketwell and Midland House. Becketwell is described as a city centre brownfield site currently set for redevelopment, while Midland House is an existing railway building situated opposite Derby train station.
Economic and Regeneration Objectives
The final selection will be based on several key metrics, including value for money, environmental and social impact, and overall regeneration and economic value. Local leadership views the arrival of the strategic government operation as a catalyst for urban growth.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, stated that the presence of GBR in the city centre is expected to benefit the local retail and hospitality sectors by increasing the number of people working in the area. According to Peatfield, a well-occupied city centre is intended to attract further investors, visitors, and students, thereby creating a safer and more vibrant environment for work and residence.
The Becketwell site, in particular, is already part of a regeneration scheme that has delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and a state-of-the-art venue. City officials believe adding GBR to this development would anchor further regeneration and unlock additional employment opportunities in the city centre.
The Transition to Great British Railways
GBR is designed to consolidate the functions of 17 different organisations into a single entity responsible for the improvement, maintenance, and operation of the railway network. Until the full transition is complete, Network Rail and the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO)—which manages nationalised train companies—are operating as twin engines
to manage the process.
Derby has already served as a hub for this transition. Since 2024, the city has hosted a GBR Transition Team (GBRTT) office located in John Ellis House.
Derby will be the heart of Great British Railways and with these shortlisted locations, we’re one step closer to bringing highly-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry history and talent.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy
Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive for Network Rail, noted that the establishment of a centre of excellence in Derby will play a critical role in the future of the entire railway industry. Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of the DFTO, described the shortlist as a positive step in accelerating the journey toward the new organizational structure.
Timeline and Next Steps
A final decision regarding which of the two sites will house the headquarters is expected before the end of 2026. The selection process aims to balance the need for central connectivity and public transport access with the broader goal of driving growth and innovation in the Midlands.
The strategic importance of the location was highlighted during the initial 2023 bid process, where Derby’s central national location, existing industry presence, and deep rail heritage were cited as primary advantages for hosting the national headquarters.