Six towns and cities shortlisted for Great British Railways HQ
Six towns and cities have made the Department for Transport’s shortlist to house the new headquarters for Great British Railways.
Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and York were chosen out of 42 towns and cities applying to host the new HQ.
The West Midlands Combined Authority has proposed three sites in Birmingham: 5 Centenary Square, Grand Central and Baskerville House. At Grand Central, which is owned by Network Rail, headlease holder Hammerson said it was open to converting shops into offices, including part of the former John Lewis flagship.
Six towns and cities have made the Department for Transport’s shortlist to house the new headquarters for Great British Railways.
Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and York were chosen out of 42 towns and cities applying to host the new HQ.
The West Midlands Combined Authority has proposed three sites in Birmingham: 5 Centenary Square, Grand Central and Baskerville House. At Grand Central, which is owned by Network Rail, headlease holder Hammerson said it was open to converting shops into offices, including part of the former John Lewis flagship.
In Crewe, Cheshire East Council recommended six locations. These were: Crewe Station, Weston Road car park, Pedley Street car park, Macon Way, Weston Road and Total Fitness & Mannin House.
Derby’s primary option for the HQ location was the former Railway Technical Centre.
Newcastle City Council put forward the Stephenson Quarter and the Forth Goods Yard brownfield site.
York has suggested two sites next to its station, either in the existing York rail sector campus or on the York Central regeneration site. The latter has outline planning permission for 2,500 homes and 1m sq ft of grade A offices.
Doncaster has highlighted a preferred site close to its station, but did not disclose more detail.
The creation of GBR was in the Queen’s Speech in May. It is a new public sector body that will oversee rail transport in Britain from 2023. It is hoped that the entity will “end the fragmentation” of the rail industry and drive improvements across the network.
A public vote has opened today (5 July), with the final decision to be made by transport secretary Grant Shapps later this year.
Shapps said: “Our world-leading railways have served this country well for 200 years and this is a huge step in the reforms, which will shape our network for the next 200.
“Great British Railways will create a truly sustainable, modern and fair railway network for passengers and freight customers.”
Andrew Haines, leader of the Great British Railways transition team, said: “Since the competition was launched it has been great to see the interest from towns and cities across Britain who believe GBR’s home should be with them. I am really looking forward to the next step and seeing which town or city has the honour of being the home for GBR.”
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