Town in Greater Manchester in running to become home of Great British Railways
manchestereveningnews.co.ukHeywood is in the running to become home of Great British Railways. The new public body will bring together track and train in a ‘once in a generation’ reform marking the end of a quarter century of fragmentation.
As part of its 'levelling up' agenda, the government wants to base GBR’s national headquarters outside London, generating ‘a number of high-skilled jobs’ for the chosen town or city.
In October Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced a competition to find the ideal location for the prestigious HQ, intended as a ‘proud home for a new era in Britain’s railways’.
Ministers are looking for places with ‘a rich railway heritage, strong links to the national network and public support for the selected location’. READ MORE : Row over Levelling Up cash escalates as MP rejects councillor's accusation of 'inaccurate claims' Heywood station is not part of the national network, but is the most easterly point on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) - a 12-mile heritage steam railway with stops including Rawtenstall, Bury and Ramsbottom.
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