Calls for the new Great British Rail HQ to be based in Birmingham

A new campaign has been launched by Birmingham’s Conservative Group to bring the new public body in charge of the UK’s train services to Birmingham.

Cllr Robert Alden has called for the leader of Birmingham City Council to back the bid with applications also expected from York, Darlington and Stockton, Doncaster, and Crewe.

The government wants GBR, which will manage the country’s rail infrastructure and set timetables and ticket prices, to be based outside London.

What has the Conservative Group said about the bid to move the GBR HQ to Birmingham in his own words?

Cllr Alden said “Birmingham has a rich history with the railways and the City’s central location would be great as the organisation seeks a home outside of London.

“The City Council should be fighting hard to secure opportunities like this as they will bring well paid jobs to Birmingham residents.”

Cllr Timothy Huxtable, Conservative Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment added: “Birmingham is steeped in railway history; the city was the northern terminus of the first inter-city railway from London.

“With the Government’s plans for the Midlands Rail Hub improving connectivity and increasing capacity by creating new opportunities for services into Birmingham from the South West and much more, Birmingham should be at the forefront of the bid to house the new Head Quarters of Great British Rail here in Birmingham.”

What will the Great British Railways’ national headquarters be like?

The national headquarters is expected to be home primarily to corporate functions, a number of network-wide capabilities, and meeting and collaboration spaces that enable people from across the regions and industry to come together.

The headquarters is expected to house a modest staff to undertake these activities. The headquarters needs to be in place by the time Great British Railways is established in the coming years.

What does the Selection Process entail?

The selection process will consist of four stages, briefly outlined here:

Stage 1

Expression of Interest: Applicants for the Great British Railways national headquarters competition will need to express their interest, explaining why they are best suited to meet a set of criteria for the national headquarters.

Stage 2

Short-listing: GBRTT will assess the applications and shortlist locations which will be announced in May 2022.

Stage 3

Government Ministers and GBRTT representatives will visit each of the shortlisted towns and cities to gain a greater understanding of prospective locations’ intentions for the headquarters and to engage local communities ahead of a public vote.

Stage 4

Decision: The Secretary of State for Transport will then make the final decision with a public announcement regarding the selected location in summer 2022.

What has the government said about the search for a Great British Railways HQ?

Secretary of State for Transport Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP Video Launch: “The search has begun for a home town or city for the HQ of the new Great British Railways - and we’ll be asking the public to vote on the finalists.

You can follow the developments on social media with #DestinationGBR A message from the editor:

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