Call for new HQ in Becketwell

The developer of a new arena in Derby has called on the Government to relocate the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) to a brownfield site in the city centre.

Paul Morris of St James Securities told the BBC he plans to move offices to Becketwell, a six-acre former derelict site which his company is redeveloping for the council.

But he added that central sites such as Midland House and the Assembly Rooms, which will soon be demolished, would bring greater benefits to the city than sites further out.

The Department for Transport, which oversees the GBR, declined to comment.

Mr Morris said bringing GBR to Becketwell would encourage other businesses to return to Derby city centre.

“I am making a strong case, which we will work hard on with the government, that all requirements should be met in the city centre.

“Bringing in that many people will transform the city, especially the number of visitors – the number of people who work, will actually spend money in the city.

“If GBR does come to Becketwell, we intend to build a larger office than required, which will allow other office tenants to return to the centre.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations with businesses, many of which are based in Pride Park, saying they need to come back to the city centre for the good of the city and it would be great for the workers too.

“Their standard answer, which is completely accurate at this point, is there are no Class A seats available.”

In May 2021, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the GBR would be set up to replace what he called “too complicated and fragmented” system.

After a long process, Derby has beaten five other cities to the race to become the body that will oversee rail transport in the UK.

Selection criteria included suitability for transport links, rail heritage and cost-effectiveness.

The GBR was due to be launched in early 2024, but the implementation date was delayed by the previous Conservative government.

The Labour Party confirmed after its election victory in July 2024 that it intended to set up a new organisation.

Mr Morris said the scale of the GBR’s presence in Derby ‘could increase’ after the new Labour government promised renationalization of most rail services within five years.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council, said: “We look forward to welcoming Great British Railways to Derby and the benefits this move will bring, including more investment and jobs in our city.

“Great British Railways’ transformation team recently carried out a comprehensive search of properties across the city and we await the results.

“Creating more jobs in the city centre is a key part of our regeneration plan. Providing Grade A office space is a key challenge that we are working hard to address.”