YORK has made the official shortlist to be chosen as the home of Great British Railways.

The Government has announced that York joins Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster and Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the shortlist to be crowned the home of Britain’s railways.

City leaders formally submitted their bid for York to become the national headquarters of Britain’s railways back in March with the city facing stiff competition from 42 other towns and cities, including Derby, Darlington and Nottingham, who also want to tempt Great British Railways (GBR) to set up shop in their area.

Now the shortlist has been announced, members of the public can choose the town or city they think makes the best case for this prestigious honour online, with the final decision made by the Transport Secretary later this year.

City leaders say 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.

GBR will be the single, accountable public body responsible for running Britain’s railways.
Making the announcement Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “This is fantastic news for York. Our world-leading railways have well-served this country for 200 years and this is a huge step in our reforms. York is already the home to the National Railway Museum and has all the potential to help shape our network for the next 200 years and level up the lives of its residents and communities.

“Great British Railways will create a truly sustainable, modern and fair railway network for passengers and freight customers.

“I’m calling on people across the country to play a key part in this once-in-a-generation reform and vote for the new home of our railways."

READ MORE: "Get voting" call as York makes Great British Rail HQ shortlist

Members of the public can choose the town or city they think makes the best case for this prestigious honour online, with the final decision made by the Transport Secretary later this year. 

Leader of the Great British Railways transition team, Andrew Haines, said: “A big congratulations to Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York for reaching the final stage in the Government’s competition to find the national HQ for Great British Railways. Since the competition was launched it has been great to see the interest from towns and cities across Britain who believe GBR’s home should be with them. I am really looking forward to the next step and seeing which town or city has the honour of being the home for GBR. Good luck to the final six.”

In total 42 cities and towns came forward to place their bids to be the home of GBR HQ.

To vote click here.