Backing city bid for new rail HQ
CIVIC leaders have come together to push the case for Newcastle to be chosen as the new headquarters of the UK’s rail system.
Newcastle is one of six towns and cities vying to host the headquarters of Great British Railways, a new body that is being set up to manage the UK’s rail network. It made the shortlist – alongside Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster and York – after more than 40 communities originally applied.
Ahead of a visit of a government minister next week that will kick off the judging process, representatives from a wide range of organisations gathered together at Newcastle’s Castle Keep to show the strength of backing for the city’s bid.
It is hoped that securing Great British Railways’ headquarters would bring hundreds of jobs to the city, as well as giving the city a unique opportunity have a greater say in the future of the country’s transport network.
Among those gathered for the event was Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp and his Gateshead counterpart Martin Gannon, who is also chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee.
Coun Kemp said: “It would mean jobs and it would put Newcastle firmly on the map. We were the home of the Industrial Revolution and we’re the home of the emerging Green Industrial Revolution.
“It would be a celebration of heritage but it would also be forward looking. Also key would be the economic generation it would bring.”
Coun Gannon added: “This is all about economic regeneration. Transport, probably more than any other issue, is the major driver of economic growth.
“The North East has always been seen as slightly remote from the centre of markets, but improved transport links are the secret to economic growth. Winning the headquarters of the Great British Railways could be a major part of that. The railways started in Newcastle-Gateshead and the headquarters should be in Newcastle-Gateshead.”
Among the sites being considered as a potential base for the organisation is the Stephenson Quarter – land behind Newcastle’s Central Station where George and Robert Stephenson set up the world’s first purpose-built locomotive works in the early 19th century.
Though the final decision on the headquarters will be made by the Government, people are being encouraged to show their support in a public vote, which can be found at https://tinyurl.com/5cpr3zbp