Crewe has officially missed out to Derby in becoming the new Great British Railways headquarters - following an announcement by the UK government.

Derby was named as the new headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR HQ), at around 10:30am on Tuesday 21 March.

The new public body in Derby will effectively be in charge of every railway across England and Scotland.

Crewe has missed out in hosting the public body in charge of every railway across England and Scotland (Ryan Parker).

Last July, Crewe was shortlisted in the final six potential GBR locations - alongside Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Doncaster, York and Derby.

The winning location was expected to be announced after the closing of the public vote in August 2022 - but was delayed until March 2023.

On Tuesday, transport secretary, Mark Harper said: "It's full steam ahead for the reform of our railways.

"Today's announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country.  

Last July, Crewe was shortlisted in the final six potential GBR locations - alongside Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Doncaster, York and Derby (Ryan Parker).

"Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network."

Derby came top of all six 'excellent locations' according to the government in both the rigorous assessment process and the public vote.

The government said Derby's application demonstrated strong links to the wider network, well-established connections with the industry, supply chain and customers - as well as an extensive local cluster of private sector rail businesses. 

Other towns and cities across Britain may potential benefit from the Derby GBR HQ - potentially including Crewe and the other shortlisted GBR locations.

The winner of the GBR HQ was delayed from August 2022 to March 2023 (Ryan Parker).

GBR's Transition Team will now work with Derby to identify the site for the HQ within the city.

Crewe Nub News has contacted Cheshire East Council and Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, for comment.