Crewe has submitted a strong and ambitious bid to become the home of Great British Railways and bring a range of levelling up opportunities to the town.

Today, Cheshire East Council, alongside its partners, submitted its expression of interest in Crewe becoming the location for the headquarters for the new public body, which will be in charge of the railways in the country.

Bringing GBR to Crewe will offer a range of levelling up opportunities to the town and help its rail sector to thrive. The headquarters would also benefit many surrounding areas due to Crewe's strong transport connections to the rest of the country.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, in agreement with all Cheshire East political group leaders, said: "We have submitted an outstanding bid to show why Crewe is the right and logical choice for the Great British Railways headquarters.

"This is a rail town through and through, at the heart of the rail network and with rail at the heart of the town.

"We're proud of our rail heritage and the role the town has played in the growth of the railways but that's not the only reason why Crewe is the right place for this opportunity – far from it.

"Crewe is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North. This means that the possibilities this headquarters brings can flow throughout the country.

"GBR in Crewe has to be for Crewe – and the people of Crewe. We believe bringing it here opens up a range of opportunities that will benefit our residents. Our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR in return.

"We now look forward to hearing in May whether we have been shortlisted. The public will then have the chance to get behind the bid and show that Crewe truly is at the heart of rail."

Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved in preparing this fantastic bid for Crewe to be the new home of Great British Railways.

"Few places in the country are more closely linked with the railway than Crewe and bringing the headquarters here will continue this proud tradition.

"As our rail industry continues to thrive, including our freight rail sector, here in Crewe, it's important this can work closely with the Government and the headquarters being right here would ensure just that.

"We have direct rail links here to the likes of Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham, Carlisle, London, Manchester and so many more – right at the heart of our rail network – so bringing GBR here would ensure it is at the heart as well.

"While we now face an anxious wait to see if we have been successful in being shortlisted, I know the public will get right behind us as we look to spread the word far and wide about why Crewe is right for GBR and GBR is right for Crewe."

The current timeline will see an announcement on which areas have been shortlisted for GBR to be made in May, before a non-binding public vote and finally a decision made in summer 2022.