East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a Government decision for Derby to be the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) with the expected creation of hundreds of jobs.
Announcing the plan on 15th October at a launch event attended by the Chamber, the Department for Transport (DfT) said they anticipate the development to add £151m to the region.
Up to 600 16-21’s are expected to join The Rail Foundation Apprenticeship over four years at the new HQ at Becketwell, where up to 450 GBR staff will be based. Construction is to start in 2027 with completion scheduled for 2029.
Public transport and walking routes are to be improved, according to the DfT, in partnership with Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA).
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Derby has been at the centre of rail for nearly two centuries and is looked up to on a worldwide scale for innovation.
“With iconic trains, operated the world over and across the UK having been built in Derby, there could not be a better place for Great British Railways to make its home.
“The significant boost for employment and the overall economic growth potential this decision will bring to Derby, the county, supply chains and the wider East Midlands cannot be understated and I very much welcome the confidence the Department for Transport has placed in Derby.
“This decision will help maintain Derby’s position on the world stage for innovation long into the future and further contribute to the UK economy, while the Rail Foundation Apprenticeship is expected to create opportunities for hundreds of young people, providing the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”
