The team working on plans for new rail oversight body Great British Railways (GBR) has held its first board meeting in Derby 鈥 the city which was announced as its new headquarters back in the spring.
GBR was conceived by ex-PM Boris Johnson as a way to streamline the way rail fares and services operate following years of disjoined and expensive management.
Earlier in the summer there had been reports that Britain鈥檚 railways were not a priority for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amid fears the plans could be watered down.
The board and officers from the GBR transition team were welcomed to the city by representatives from Derby City Council, including council leader Coun Baggy Shanker and deputy chief executive Rachel North. Marketing Derby has also been supporting the plans.
The visit to Derby College Group鈥檚 Roundhouse site provided an opportunity to discuss progress made so far.
Coun Shanker said: 鈥淚t was a pleasure to welcome the board of Great British Railways to Derby for their first meeting in the city.
鈥淭he Roundhouse was the perfect setting to showcase the city鈥檚 unmatched rail heritage once again, as well as its commitment to a bright future of skills, learning and innovation.鈥
Derby was shortlisted out of 42 expressions of interest from towns and cities across the country, all keen to be the home of the new 鈥榞uiding mind鈥 for the railways.
As well as putting together the winning business case, Derby also came top in a public vote to become the new home of GBR.
It is hoped that GBR鈥檚 arrival will not only attract more rail-related firms to the city but will also help kick-start the regeneration of the area around Derby Midland Station.
Councillor Shanker said: 鈥淚 was delighted to be able to share in positive conversations with the board about the future of GBR here in Derby.
鈥淭he atmosphere in the room was buzzing and ideas invigorating.鈥
Anit Chandarana, lead director of Great British Railways Transition Team, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Derby City Council for being such gracious hosts to our board, as we work to create a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain.
鈥淓very trip up to Derby is an opportunity to get better acquainted with this fantastic city, which will be home to GBR鈥檚 headquarters.鈥
