Crewe has been shortlisted as one of six locations bidding to become the home of Great British Railways.
In March, Cheshire East Council and its partners submitted a strong and ambitious expression of interest for Crewe to become the headquarters for the new public body, which will be in charge of railways across the country.
Today the government announced that Crewe has been shortlisted, out of 42 possible locations, alongside Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.
Bringing GBR to Crewe will offer a range of levelling up opportunities to the town and help its rail sector to further thrive. The headquarters would also benefit many surrounding areas due to Crewe’s strong connectivity with rest of the country.
Now the public get to help decide in a public vote, on where the GBR HQ should be located before a final decision is made in summer 2022. People can vote now by going to www.gbrtt.co.uk/vote
Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Crewe has been shortlisted as one of the locations being seriously considered as the new home for GBR.
“We strongly believe that Crewe is the right and logical choice. Crewe is a rail town through and through, at the heart of the rail network. Crewe has a strong rail heritage and is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North.”
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, added: “GBR will hugely benefit Crewe – and the wider borough. We believe bringing it here opens up a range of opportunities that will benefit our residents, businesses, and communities, and our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR.
“We now look forward to the public vote and encourage people from Crewe, Cheshire, our neighbours and beyond to back Crewe for GBR.”
Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “Following the submission of Crewe’s fantastic bid, I’m delighted we have now been shortlisted. We are now up against five other locations as the potential home of GBR.
“I can honestly say there are few places in the country that are more closely linked with the railway than Crewe and bringing the headquarters here will continue this proud tradition.
“We now need the public and community’s support in backing Crewe’s bid for GBR, not only will this bring levelling up opportunities to the town, but it will also bring jobs and an opportunity for our rail industry to continue to thrive.
“Now we all need to come together to show our support for Crewe’s bid and vote yes to Crewe becoming the location for the new GBR headquarters.”
Cllr Jill Rhodes, leader of Crewe Town Council, said, “Being the home of Great British Railways would be a fantastic boost to Crewe and the surrounding area.
“Crewe has everything needed and Cheshire East Council put in a very strong technical bid. We need everyone to pull together to raise the profile of Crewe and win the public vote.”
Clare Hayward MBE, DL, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “Securing Crewe as the home for GBR will accelerate the rail-led transformation of the town even further and stimulate further growth, innovation and opportunity across the town and the region which will have a positive impact on everyone across the community.
“Locating the GBR HQ in Crewe would provide a real boost of confidence in the town and would encourage further private sector investment and help provide skilled jobs for the future. We believe that Crewe is the right home for GBR HQ because Crewe is the heart of rail.
“I encourage every business across Cheshire and Warrington to get behind Crewe, show your support Crewe’s bid and vote in the public vote.”
A dedicated website launched in early April – www.gbrcrewe.co.uk – to show all that Crewe has to offer and give the public the chance to pledge their support and get behind the campaign.
The public vote is now open and you can show your support by going to www.gbrtt.co.uk/vote and voting for Crewe. The vote is open for six weeks until August 15.
“We strongly believe that Crewe is the right and logical choice. Crewe is a rail town through and through, at the heart of the rail network. Crewe has a strong rail heritage and is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North.”
