Campaigners aim to make Carnforth the first national HQ of Great British Railways

Monday, 21 February 2022 12:17

Clip from the 1945 film Brief Encounter starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard - photo: Carnforth Heritage Centre

Campaigners are aiming to make Carnforth the first national HQ of Great British Railways.

Great British Railways national headquarters is to be based outside of London to ensure that skilled jobs and economic benefits are focused beyond the capital.

Lancaster Civic Vision want it to be here in North Lancashire.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced in October a competition to provide the national home for Great British Railways (GBR), bringing jobs and investment outside of London.

The competition will recognise towns and cities with a rich railway history that are strongly linked to the network ensuring the first headquarters will take pride of place at the heart of a new era for Britain’s railways.

A spokesperson for Lancaster Civic Vision said: ‘’The Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth areas have a long history as a major central hub for railways during the 19th and 20th centuries due to its role as an important trading port and its strategic position on the western route between England and Scotland.

‘’Carnforth is already an established award-winning Heritage Centre and known worldwide for its linking with the Harry Potter and Brief Encounter films, as well as being the home of West Coast Railways the UKs leading specialist train operator whose excursions are regularly featured on the television programme Greatest Railway Journeys in the World.

‘’We believe that there is an extremely strong case for this investment being made at Carnforth including the contribution that this would make to the Levelling Up agenda, a strategic position close to the M6 as well as it being a natural complement to the forthcoming Eden Project North scheduled for a 2024 opening.

‘’We further believe that the potential for high quality jobs the investment would bring would have significant economic benefits for Carnforth and the whole Lancaster District.’’

Great British Railways have asked for submissions from local authorities from across the country and will short list a number of locations. They will then host a non-binding, online vote which will give the public the opportunity to support and vote for their preferred location from the shortlist. The result of this vote will be used to measure the level of public support for each location and will be considered as part of final decision making.

In anticipation of a formal expression of interest being submitted, and in support of the efforts of David Morris MP to secure this investment, Lancaster Civic Vision are launching a campaign to identify the strength locally for the case of Carnforth.

People are being asked to submit an expression of interest by heading HERE to register your vote now.

The closing date for applications is 16th March 2022.