The government has confirmed that Great British Railways (GBR) will establish its headquarters at Becketwell in Derby city centre, alongside plans to open up to 600 rail apprenticeship places over the next four years.
The announcement, made on Thursday 15 October, identifies the specific site for the headquarters of the planned publicly owned rail body. Derby had already been selected as the host city in 2023; today's decision confirms Becketwell as the location of the new building.
Headquarters planned for 2029
According to the Department for Transport, construction on the brownfield site is expected to begin in early 2027 and finish by spring 2029. The headquarters is designed to accommodate up to 450 staff.
The government estimates that the development could deliver a £151 million boost to the regional economy. That figure is a forecast of economic benefit, not a confirmed direct grant or spending allocation.
Derby City Council says the headquarters will occupy the proposed 3 Springwell Square office development. A planning application has been submitted, and the council and East Midlands Combined County Authority are still considering the funding approach for delivery of the building.
Up to 600 apprenticeships over four years
The government also announced plans for up to 600 foundation apprenticeship places for young people aged 16 to 21 over four years, with the first participants based in Derby.
These are planned opportunities to be opened over the coming years, rather than 600 apprentices already recruited or 600 permanent positions at the new headquarters. The Department for Transport says fewer than 7% of the railway workforce are currently under 25.
Ministers link decision to rail reform
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the decision as a step towards a railway that better serves passengers, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Derby would be central to the government's proposed reorganisation of Britain's railways.
GBR is intended to bring passenger services and rail infrastructure under a single publicly owned organisation. The headquarters announcement forms part of that wider reform programme, but does not mean the new organisation or building is already fully operational.
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward welcomed the decision, highlighting the potential benefit for city-centre businesses and young people entering the rail industry.
Sources
- Department for Transport — Great British Railways takes shape as HQ and apprenticeship scheme confirmed (15 October 2026)
- Derby City Council — Becketwell is the new home of Great British Railways (15 October 2026)
- East Midlands Combined County Authority — Mayor welcomes GBR headquarters decision (15 October 2026)