Flagship Derby development confirmed as rail HQ
Becketwell will become the new head offices of Great British Railways, the government has confirmed.
St James Securities’ proposed eight-storey building at Three Springwell Square was one of two sites left in the running to become the first headquarters of the publicly-owned rail company.
Midland house, an existing railway-owned building near the railway station, was the other the alternative.
A planning application for the 106,500 sq ft office block at Three Springwell Square was submitted at the beginning of October, described in supporting documentation as a “landmark, multi-let office development” in Derby city centre.
If approved by Derby City Council, the building will be constructed on the site of the former Duckworth Square shopping centre, part of the £200m regeneration of the Becketwell area which has so far seen 259 apartments built alongside a public square, and the 3,500-capacity Vaillant Live performance venue.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and be completed by spring 2029.
Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, said the decision was a hugely significant moment for Derby, describing it as a “tremendous vote of confidence” in both the city and the Becketwell development.
“From the beginning, we believed Three Springwell Square offered Great British Railways a unique opportunity, a modern, highly sustainable headquarters building located at the centre of a transformational regeneration scheme in the UK’s rail capital,” he said.
“Derby’s rail heritage, skills base and industry expertise are second to none, and we are delighted that Great British Railways has chosen to make its home here. The decision will bring long-term benefits to the city, attract further investment and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Plans to establish Derby as the home of Great British Railways began in 2022, with the city named on a shortlist of six cities alongside Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle, and York.
Derby was named as the government’s preferred location following a public vote in 2023.
Cllr Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council said the city would “reap the rewards” of being chosen for a government hub, estimating that up to 450 staff could be based at the building.
“More workers in the city will be using our transport, eating in our restaurants, and supporting our amazing local businesses,” she said.
“Becketwell is one of our flagship regeneration schemes and a shining example of what targeted investment can achieve. Working jointly with our development partners, St James Securities and Peveril Securities, we have already delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city.
“With the addition of GBR now confirmed, we reaffirm to investors that Derby is well and truly open for business and we are ready to unlock further development and employment opportunities in the city centre.”
In a statement, the government described the decision as a “significant milestone” in its plan to establish a publicly-owned railway, which has already seen it bring half a dozen expired train operator contracts under the GBR banner, including West Midlands Railways and Chiltern.
“Great British Railways will have its home in Derby, a city that has railways in its DNA,” said Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
“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.”
