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Competition launched to find the new ‘home of the railways’ – and York is a frontrunner

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (left) and former minister and rail enthusiast Michael Portillo launch the competition. Photograph: Department on Transport

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News, Transport

The competition is on to find a new ‘home of the railways’ – and York is one of the frontrunners.

Launching the contest today (Saturday), Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the central headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) could be built “anywhere in the country” outside London.

But national news agency PA has identified three cities with a big chance to be named the winner – including York.

These are the three cities and why PA thinks the might be chosen:

  • York: On the East Coast Main Line and home to the National Railway Museum.
  • Crewe: A major junction on the West Coast Main Line and will be connected to HS2 when Phase 2a is completed.
  • Birmingham: Will be on the HS2 network when services begin.

The best applications from cities and towns across the country are set to be shortlisted in May, after which a public vote will help determine the winning location.

The winner – which will be announced this summer – will receive a “great boost” with the creation of high-skilled jobs in their area, Mr Shapps said.

The formation of GBR to run and plan the rail network was announced in May last year as part of widespread reforms launched by Mr Shapps in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.

Mr Shapps said it will focus on “bringing everything together and running a much more efficient service for passengers” when it begins operating, which is expected to be in early 2024.

Back the bid

City of York Council leader Keith Aspden at York Station. Photograph: York Lib Dems

York launched its bid to become home to GBR last October.

Today council leader Keith Aspden urged residents and businesses to support York’s bid to bring high skilled jobs and investment to the city.

“Our existing connections, historical links, sector jobs and highly skilled workforce, would make the city a perfect fit for GBR,” he said.

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“This move would also see a concrete commitment from the government to their levelling up ambitions, bringing jobs and investment to York and the North.

“We will now prepare a comprehensive bid to outline the countless reasons for choosing York. We will work with city’s and region’s representatives and key partners to ensure that residents have the chance to vote for York later in May.

“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.”