With the shortlist now publicised, regions competing for the coveted GBR HQ have shared their reaction and declared why they should win.
Doncaster – a “perfect home”
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “I am delighted that Doncaster has made the shortlist. I firmly believe that Doncaster should be the home of Great British Railways, in the heart of South Yorkshire and gateway to the North, we would make the perfect home for GBR and the ideal location from which to run this countries railways. Our bid is strong and demonstrates all we have to offer, including our rich rail history, value for money, excellent connectivity and links with the rail sector not to mention our new found city status!
“We’ve already had an overwhelming level of public support for our bid, but now we need the whole of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, the North and beyond to support us by voting for Doncaster. Come on Doncaster, we can do it!”
Derby – a “thriving rail ecosystem”
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Derby has been shortlisted to become the new home of Great British railways. This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work of our team, alongside our key rail partners based across the city – we couldn’t have done it without them.
“As well as having a long 180-year plus rail history, what sets us apart is we remain home to a thriving rail ecosystem – Europe’s largest rail cluster.
“I’m thrilled that Derby’s rail credentials are being recognised by the Government.”
Birmingham – a “base at the heart of the nation”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA, said: “Birmingham combines a unique rail heritage with an unparalleled concentration of modern expertise that means we are ideally suited to shape the next century of railway excellence by playing host to the GBR headquarters.
“A Birmingham base would put GBR at the heart of the nation’s rail network and close to its customers – with 94 million rail journeys made here in the region each year.
“Birmingham as well as the wider West Midlands is already at the forefront of innovation in transport design, policy, planning, technology and engineering – thanks in part to our central role in flagship projects like HS2 and Very Light Rail.
“This means we are blessed with a wealth of talent to draw on as we look ahead to the future of the railways and a wonderful chance to bring jobs, civic pride and economic opportunity for our local residents. The momentum is with us and if GBR chooses Birmingham as its home, then it’s full steam ahead.”
York – its strengths are “obvious”
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “This is excellent news, and following work with partners, residents and businesses across the city, York’s place on this shortlist is nothing less than well-deserved.
“Our city’s strengths are obvious, we have the perfect site in York Central, situated in the centre of the city and located next to York Rail Station, which in turn is at the heart of the largest rail cluster outside of London and the South-East.
“To locate GBR here will not only mean investment in York, but also the Yorkshire and Humber economy, representing a real opportunity to deliver levelling up, with 320 of the most deprived communities in the UK within an hour’s train journey of the city. With our rich rail heritage and growing rail sector and skills based in the city, York is the obvious choice. We now need the public to throw their continuing support behind our bid and to bring rail back home to York”.
Crewe – “the right an logical choice”
Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Crewe has been shortlisted as one of the locations being seriously considered as the new home for GBR.
“We strongly believe that Crewe is the right and logical choice. Crewe is a rail town through and through, at the heart of the rail network. Crewe has a strong rail heritage and is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North.”
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, added: “GBR will hugely benefit Crewe – and the wider borough. We believe bringing it here opens up a range of opportunities that will benefit our residents, businesses, and communities, and our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR.
“We now look forward to the public vote and encourage people from Crewe, Cheshire, our neighbours and beyond to back Crewe for GBR.”
Newcastle – a “strong and proud history”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “It’s fantastic news that Newcastle has been shortlisted as the location for the headquarters of Great British Railways. We have a strong and proud history with the railways going back generations so I cannot think of a better home for this new headquarters.
“Today’s announcement is not only a vote confidence in the city, a potentially significant investment, but also the opportunity to bring new jobs to Newcastle.
“We have to compete against five other towns and cities on the shortlist, so I urge as many people as possible to back us in the public vote and let’s win this for Newcastle.”
