Two sites in Derby have made the final shortlist for a new Great British Railways (GBR) HQ.

Becketwell, a city centre brownfield site set for redevelopment, and Midland House, an existing railway building opposite Derby train station, have now been deemed the most viable of the five-strong long-list.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, responded to the announcement of the shortlist.

This is welcome progress in the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR) in Derby, and I’m delighted that a shortlist has now been agreed. This is the news that we’ve been waiting for, and crucially we have a timeframe for a decision to be made. We now want to go full steam ahead with getting GBR up and running in the city.

The arrival of this strategic government operation has the potential to deliver huge benefits for Derby. More people working in our city centre means more people using our vibrant retail and hospitality sector, supporting local jobs and businesses. A busy, attractive, and well-occupied city centre will also draw more students, visitors and investors to Derby, helping to create a safer more vibrant place to live and work.

We are already seeing what targeted investment can achieve through the Becktwell regeneration scheme, which has already delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city. Adding GBR to this mix would build on that momentum, anchoring further regeneration, giving confidence to investors, and helping unlock additional development and employment opportunities in and around the city centre.

Connectivity is also key. A central location offers easy access from all corners of our city, and beyond, particularly via public transport and our growing active travel network. We have also begun the vital work of improving the link between the railway station and the city centre, creating a more attractive gateway to the city for commuters, visitors and businesses alike.

The railways are a vital lifeblood for our city and have been for almost two centuries. For over 180 years Derby has been at the centre of rail manufacturing, development, and operations, providing crucial investment and skilled jobs to generations of citizens.

The full arrival of GBR in Derby is the next chapter in this proud history. While there are still steps on this journey, Derby is ready to welcome Great British Railways.

Derby was named as the home of Great British Railways in March 2023, following a successful bid that highlighted the city’s unrivalled railway history, strong industry presence, and national connectivity.

Since 2024, the city has also been home to a GBR Transition Team at John Ellis House near the Railway Station, who the Council have formed a strong working partnership with.

Until now Derby has had one of the lowest concentrations of civil service jobs in the country. The arrival of GBR will not only bring key jobs to the city, but a strategic government operation meaning Derby will play an even more pivotal role in the future of the nation’s railways.

The final decision on HQ location – expected before the end of 2026 – will be made based on a range of factors, including regeneration and economic value, value for money, and environmental and social impact.