The headquarters of Great British Railways in Derby will be in the city centre. Work will begin at Becketwell, a brownfield site, early in the New Year. It is set to be completed by spring 2029.

The shadow GBR has been using temporary quarters at Pride Park, and the possible site for the permanent HQ had been narrowed down to two locations. The alternative, Midland House, is close to Derby station.

The government estimated that the new headquarters will bring a boost worth £151 million to the region’s economy. The site will accommodate up to 450 GBR staff and be accompanied by better public transport links and walking routes, in partnership with the Department for Transport, Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined Authority.

In addition, up to 600 apprentices between 16 and 21 years old will enrol over the next four years on rail foundation apprenticeships. and the first starters will be based in Derby, which is Europe’s largest rail hub. Fewer than 7 per cent of railway staff are under 25, and Foundation apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with a qualification, giving young people a route into skilled work.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: ‘For too long, people have put up with a railway that often lets them down. When you are trying to get to work, see your family, or get home, you should be able to rely on your train turning up.

‘Today is another big step forward. Great British Railways will have its home in Derby, a city that has railways in its DNA. This will bring investment and good jobs, giving young people the chance to build their future in the place they call home.

‘That’s how we are bringing back hope. By creating opportunity and putting the essentials back in public hands so they work for people again.’

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander added: ‘The biggest shake-up to our railways in a generation is underway. Great British Railways will bring the railway together around one mission – better services for passengers ’ with Derby at the heart of its future.

‘I’m delighted Becketwell will become GBR’s new home, building on Derby’s proud rail heritage and bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to the city.

‘With 600 apprenticeships opening up, we’re investing not just in the railway of tomorrow, but in the people who will build it.’

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