The UK government has confirmed that the future headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) will be built at Becketwell, in central Derby, on the former Duckworth Square site. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and to be completed in spring 2029.
The new building, comprising around 9,850 m² of office space, will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff. GBR is the public body that will integrate the management of infrastructure and train operating company operations. The scheme also includes improvements to public transport in the area and pedestrian access.
The Department for Transport has also announced up to 600 apprenticeships over four years, aimed at people aged under 25, a group that accounts for less than 7% of the rail workforce. The first apprenticeships will begin in Derby.
The administration estimates a regional economic impact of £151 million. The choice reinforces Derby’s role, where Alstom operates the Litchurch Lane works, whose history dates back to 1840. GBR is due to begin operating one year after the Railways Act enters into force. The legislation is still passing through Parliament and is expected to receive Royal Assent at the end of 2027.
Meanwhile, the UK government is working to nationalise operators as their franchises expire, create synergies between them to optimise costs, and extend the Great British Railways brand across the rolling stock fleet.