York has made it onto the shortlist to host the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).
The news was announced by the Department of Transport this morning (Tuesday).
These are all six finalists:
- Birmingham
- Crewe
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- York.
GBR will be a new public sector body which will oversee Britain’s railways. Altogether, 42 cities and towns bid in the national competition.
An online public vote on the six shortlisted locations for its headquarters has been opened.
You can vote for York here.
The outcome will “play a crucial role” but the final decision will be made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps later this year, according to the DfT.
City of York Council submitted its bid on 16 March, with the backing of partners across the city.
Moving the GBR HQ to York could have a major impact on the local economy, and estimates the move would add £110 million to York’s economy, creating 1,600 new jobs.
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Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of the council, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to confirm that York’s bid to be the new home of Great British Rail has been rightly recognised as one of the best amongst the 42 submitted.
“Now it’s time for the city to come together and get voting!
“Ever since the announcement of GBR plans, we have continued to make the case for York to be chosen as the home of the Government’s flagship rail body.
“Our existing connections, historical links, sector jobs and highly skilled workforce, would make the city a perfect fit for GBR.
“Our York Central site stands ready to host the GBR HQ at the heart of one of the UK’s most loved and visited cities, bringing skills, investment and jobs.
“York is already at the heart of the rail industry in the North, so this move would give us the opportunity to truly cement York’s place as the national home for Rail. I would urge residents and businesses to support the campaign and help us bring GBR to York!”
York Central MP Rachael Maskell also welcomed the announcement. “Today’s announcement is only the beginning. The city has a lot of work to do, and we need everyone to play a part. Working together, we can bring Great British Railways home to York.”
“Locating the new Headquarters in York has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the city by transforming its railways industry into a global rail super cluster.
“GBR HQ will help maintain and further develop York’s place as the heart of the UK’s rail industry, offering future opportunities for York’s young workforce and bringing new high skilled, well paid jobs to the region.”