SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYOR ‘DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED’ AT GBR DECISION OVER HEADQUARTERS BASE

Published 21 March 2023 at 3:44pm

Responding to the news that Doncaster was unsuccessful in its bid to be the home of the Great British Railways Headquarters, 

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said, “I’m deeply disappointed that Doncaster has not been chosen as the new home for the Headquarters of the Great British Railways. 

A huge amount of work went into our bid, in the hope that the railways across the country would have been run from a base in our region. It doesn’t just mean fewer jobs, it means that the people running the railways across the country won’t be based here in South Yorkshire, and won’t see what we need firsthand. 

Coming so soon after the closure of DSA and the cuts to our bus network, it’s more evidence that we can’t rely on the government to level up our country, and that we’re not going to get the funding, investment or support we need from an endless series of competitions. 

Despite this setback, I’ll keep working to restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of South Yorkshire. As Mayor, I’m investing millions of pounds in the city of Doncaster, to help with the regeneration of the Waterfront and in a hugely exciting new project with Hybrid Air Vehicles, building the next generation of aircraft in Doncaster.  

Today’s announcement is frustrating news for Doncaster and South Yorkshire, but I want to extend my huge thanks for everyone who worked so hard on the campaign. Whether this government recognise it or not, Doncaster is the natural home of our country’s railways.”