Becketwell has been selected as the location for the new Great British Railways (GBR) headquarters, a decision anticipated to introduce hundreds of high-quality jobs and a significant government operation to the city centre. GBR, the new public body tasked with unifying the nation's railways, will be the first occupants of the new 3 Springwell Square office development at Becketwell. This development is part of a major urban regeneration scheme in Derby, which has already seen the delivery of the Condor build-to-rent apartments, a public square, and Vaillant Live. The 3 Springwell Square building will provide approximately 106,000 sq. ft of Grade A office space on the site of the former Duckworth Square, enhancing the city centre's appeal for work, living, and leisure.
The new headquarters will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and will be supported by improved public transport links and walking routes. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department for Transport, Derby City Council, and the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA), alongside developers St James Securities and Peveril Securities. The public sector plays a vital role in securing funding for such projects, with the Council working closely with the EMCCA to establish the optimal partnership approach for financing the building's delivery.
The arrival of GBR is expected to provide a substantial economic boost, estimated at £151m for Derby and the wider region. This move is also set to diversify and strengthen the local economy by increasing the number of government jobs in the city, fostering new career opportunities, and attracting further investment. Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted the importance of reliable railways and stated that GBR's presence in Derby, a city with a strong rail heritage, will bring investment and good jobs, enabling young people to build their futures locally. He emphasised creating opportunity and returning essential services to public hands to better serve the public.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, expressed her satisfaction, noting the culmination of a campaign involving the Mayor of the East Midlands and local MPs to bring GBR to Derby. She anticipates significant benefits for the city centre, including increased use of transport, patronage of restaurants, and support for local businesses. Councillor Peatfield described Becketwell as a flagship regeneration scheme demonstrating the impact of targeted investment, with existing successes including a new public square, housing, and a venue. The confirmation of GBR's move signals to investors that Derby is open for business and ready for further development and employment opportunities, aiming to create a more vibrant city centre for residents, students, and visitors.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented on the significant shake-up of the railways, with GBR focused on improving passenger services, and Derby at the core of its future. She expressed delight that Becketwell will be GBR's new home, building on Derby's rail heritage and bringing jobs and investment. The initiative also includes 600 apprenticeships, investing in both the future of the railway and the workforce.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed the news as a significant boost for Derby, highlighting how the hundreds of people working at GBR will benefit local shops, cafés, and restaurants, and increase footfall in the city centre. She aims for Derby city centre to be a place where people work, socialise, shop, and enjoy themselves, encouraging business investment. The presence of GBR at Becketwell is expected to draw more people into the city centre, providing local businesses with greater opportunities.
Paul Morris, Development Director at St James Securities, described the moment as significant for Derby and a strong vote of confidence in the city and the Becketwell development. He noted that 3 Springwell Square offers GBR a modern, sustainable headquarters in the heart of a transformative regeneration scheme within the UK's rail capital. He praised Derby's rail heritage, skills, and expertise, expressing delight that GBR has chosen the city, anticipating long-term benefits, further investment, and a lasting legacy.
The process to bring GBR to Derby began in March 2022, focusing on the city's extensive rail heritage and its position within Europe's largest rail cluster, which employs 11,000 people. Following 42 expressions of interest, Derby was shortlisted alongside Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle, and York. Derby's campaign received broad support from 22 regional MPs and international transport industry figures. The confirmation came in March 2023, with Derby securing 22% of the public vote, reinforcing its status as the UK's rail capital.
