Six left in the running to be GBR’s HQ

The search for a home for the headquarters of the new Great British Railways public body has been narrowed down to a shortlist of just six.

Of the 42 towns and cities that applied earlier this year (RAIL 954), it was announced on July 5 that Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle upon Tyne and York will now be put to a public vote.

Although the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Transport later this year, members of the public have until August 15 to cast an online vote at: https://gbrtt.co.uk/ hq-competition-public-vote/

Ministers insisted that as part of the Government’s commitment to level up the UK, the new GBR HQ would have to be based outside of London. Other criteria set to judge the entries included demonstrable railway heritage, links to the network, and value for money.

“Since the competition was launched it has been great to see the interest from towns and cities across Britain which believe GBR’s home should be with them,” said GBRTT Leader and Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines.

“I am really looking forward to the next step and seeing which town or city has the honour of being the home for GBR. Good luck to the final six.”