Great British Railways (GBR) has confirmed that its headquarters will be built in Derby, according to the Department for Transport. The new development at Becketwell, a brownfield site in the city centre, is expected to start construction in early 2027 and finish by spring 2029.

Key points

  • Location — GBR's permanent home will be at Becketwell in Derby, with space for up to 450 staff.
  • Economic impact — the project is expected to add £151 million to the regional economy and create hundreds of rail jobs.
  • Apprenticeships — up to 600 places on a rail foundation apprenticeship will open over the next four years for people aged 16 to 21.
  • Timeline — building work begins in early 2027 and should be complete by spring 2029.

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, described the move as part of the biggest shake-up to the railways in a generation. She said GBR would bring the network together around better services for passengers, with Derby at its heart. The announcement follows a £1 billion investment in new trains for the north, which will be built at Alstom's Derby site.

Up to 600 apprenticeships will be available on the rail foundation apprenticeship over the next four years. The first recruits will be based in Derby, helping to strengthen the city's position as a major rail hub. The scheme combines paid work with a qualification and forms part of the government's wider Youth Guarantee.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For people in the UK, the creation of GBR's headquarters in Derby signals a long-term shift in how the railways are run. While the full benefits will take years to appear, the investment and apprenticeship schemes offer concrete opportunities for local residents and young people considering a career in rail.

  • Jobs and training — young people aged 16 to 21 in Derby and beyond will be able to apply for paid apprenticeships in rail from 2026 onwards.
  • Local economy — businesses in Derby and the East Midlands can expect increased demand as construction begins and staff relocate.
  • Passenger services — GBR's remit is to put passengers first, but any changes to fares, timetables or reliability will depend on how the organisation develops over the coming years.