Bid submitted for Didcot to become the new home of Great British Railways

South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council put the bid forward today (31) as part of a competition organised by the national body for the country’s railways.

Councillor David Rouane, leader of South Oxford District Council, and councillor Emily Smith, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, visited the station to thank staff for their endorsement and support of the bid.

The councils decided to put Didcot forward as the railway is the “heart and soul” of the town and a great location for the headquarters.

We’ve submitted a joint bid for #Didcot to be the home of Great British Railway’s headquarters. Our South and Vale Leaders, Cllr Rouane and Cllr Smith, visited @DidcotRailwayC to thank them for their endorsement to support our bid. #DestinationGBR #DidcotGBR pic.twitter.com/lz9YOqIw43

— South Oxfordshire DC (@SouthOxon) March 31, 2022

Councillors said the bid was a “once in a generation” opportunity. If the town is shortlisted, people will get a chance to vote during May with the winner expected to be announced in the summer.

Other places that have put their names forward are Southampton, Swindon, Crewe, York, and Doncaster.

Based outside London, GBR will be responsible for ticket prices, setting timetables and rail infrastructure.

The government said GBR's headquarters would go to a place "with a rich railway history". Didcot Railway centre was erected in 1844 as part Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Great Western Railway.

It has served as a vital junction for trade and tourists between Oxford, London and the west country.