Bolton bids to become home of Great British Railways
The new organisation will take over from Network Rail in running Britain's railways in 2023.
Bolton could become home to the new national headquarters for Great British Railways.
The local council has submitted a bid to host the HQ of the new organisation, which will take over from Network Rail in running Britain's railways in 2023.
The government has promised the the new body will be based outside of London, and is running a competitition to find it a home.
Bolton's bid focuses on the town's transport links, its heritage and the work being done to regenerate the area.
The proposed site for the GBR HQ will be on land already owned by Network Rail near the station. It would form part of the wider Trinity Quarter renegeration project.
Bolton Council has already set aside £100m for efforts to revitalise the town centre.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said:
“Bolton town centre is the ideal home for an organisation like Great British Railways.
“The council’s regeneration masterplan is not just about new buildings, but it is also focused on bringing more skilled jobs to Bolton and creating new opportunities for our residents.
“We have a proven record of working with partners to deliver projects like this and I am positive the people of Bolton would welcome GBR with open arms.
“Our borough has a proud railway history and basing this new transport body in the town centre would be a fitting tribute to this industrial heritage.”