National rail body headquarters would further boost town's regeneration, says county economy leader
Posted on Thursday 17th March 2022
Philip White
A bid to national body Great British Railways to locate its headquarters in Tamworth would further boost work to regenerate the town and attract further investment, the county council’s economy leader has said.
Deputy leader of the county council and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said he endorsed the expression of interest by the borough council, which would create jobs and lever in additional investment.
Towns and cities across the country are making bids, with GBR shortlisting applications in May this year. An online public vote will be held after the shortlisting.
Philip said:
Great British Rail choosing Tamworth as a base for its HQ would be great news for the borough and for Staffordshire, further enhancing the county’s standing as a location for national businesses and attractions, from football to brewing.
It would complement the work which has already been carried out to regenerate the town, including its enterprise centre and improvements to the railway station connections. This is in addition to ambitious plans drawn up which has secured investment from the Government’s Future High Street Fund.
This move would bring skilled job creation, additional investment and be a boost to existing town centre businesses.
As a county council one of the priorities set out in our long-term economic strategy is town centre revitalisation so we support this bid wholeheartedly.”
The bid is also supported by the town’s MP Christopher Pincher.