Today, Derby has been named the official "Home of Great British Rail," a title that recognizes the city's rich history of rail innovation and excellence spanning over a century. This prestigious honour is a testament to the city's dedication to the rail industry, and its continuous efforts to innovate and improve rail services across the UK.
Derby's rail heritage dates back to the early 1800s when the city played a pivotal role in the development of steam locomotives. Since then, Derby has been at the forefront of railway innovation, with the creation of the first diesel-electric locomotive in the 1930s, and the development of high-speed trains, including the iconic InterCity 125.
Today, Derby remains a hub of rail innovation, home to some of the world's leading rail engineering companies. The city's expertise in rail engineering has been instrumental in shaping the future of rail travel, with the development of new technologies and solutions that improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Speaking about the announcement, Amanda Solloway MP for Derby North said: “This is fantastic news that Derby is home to the Great British Railways Headquarters’; it really is the city at its best! I campaigned hard for this result – locally by encouraging local figures, businesses, and members of the public to place a vote and nationally by speaking to relevant Ministers in Parliament. I wore a t-shirt with the campaign QR code emblazoned on the front so that constituents could literally scan me! I’m so pleased it paid off and that Derby has another reason to celebrate – this decision will bring jobs, investment, and the start of a new era for Britain’s railways.”
“Derby has a proud history of rail innovation, and I am delighted to see the city named the Home of Great British Railways. This title recognizes the outstanding contribution that Derby has made to the UK's rail industry and highlights the city's commitment to driving innovation and excellence in rail engineering.”
As the Home of Great British Rail, Derby is proud to be at the forefront of rail innovation and is committed to driving the UK's rail industry forward. With a rich history of rail engineering excellence and a bright future of innovation ahead, Derby is set to remain a hub of rail excellence for generations to come.