List of the 42 bidders to host Great British Railways headquarters

UK: A total of 42 towns and cities, including some which might be seen as unexpected bidders, have formally expressed interest in hosting the headquarters of Great British Railways.

The deadline for expressions of interest was March 16. The GBR Transition Team said it would now review each expression of interest in a ‘rigorous’ assessment process, before publishing a shortlist in May. The winner is to be announced this summer.

Applications will be measured against six criteria:

• alignment with levelling up objectives, including being outside London;
• connected and easy to get to;
• opportunities for GBR;
• railway heritage and links to the network;
• value for money;
• public support, with a non-binding online vote to form part of the selection process.

The government is establishing GBR to provide a ‘single guiding mind’ for the rail industry. Most of GBR’s operational capability will be within five regional divisions responsible for day-today activities.

The national headquarters is expected to have a ‘modest’ staff and will primarily house corporate functions, network-wide capabilities and spaces where people from across the regions and industry can meet.

‘This competition has clearly captured the imagination of people across the country who have a passion for the role trains play in their area’, said Transition Team leader Andrew Haines on March 18. ‘I am excited to see what each town and city can bring as the HQ of GBR.’