Council voting on funds to boost new rail HQ plans

Derby City Council will vote on a "multi‑million‑pound investment" plan that would kick‑start redevelopment at a site shortlisted for the new Great British Railways (GBR) headquarters.

The authority's cabinet will consider an investment partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) at a meeting on Wednesday, covering several regeneration projects in the city centre.

Proposals include £2m from the EMCCA to fund work at Duckworth Square, shortlisted as the home of GBR, which includes site investigations and preparatory work.

Council leader Nadine Peatfield said the partnership will create a "steady stream of funding to deliver a Derby to be proud of".

The council said the preparatory works at Duckworth Square will help deliver high quality offices with the aim of "attracting nationally significant businesses and organisations to Derby".

The brownfield site next to the recently opened Valliant Live entertainment venue, and Midland House opposite Derby Railway Station, are the two contenders for the GBR HQ site.

The final decision on the location will be made "before the end of 2026", Network Rail said.

The council said the wider investment with the EMCCA would focus on regenerating other parts of the city including areas near the railway station, Market Place, Becketwell, Riverside and the Northern Gateway.

The partnership will also focus on boosting economic growth, strengthening culture and tourism, and improving transport links to better connect neighbourhoods with "key employment and education hubs".

"Our partnership with EMCCA is transforming how we invest in our city to deliver the best outcomes for our residents," said Peatfield.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.