Swindon’s railway heritage is an enormous part of our local history, but did you know that the original Hogwarts Express train, which was originally known as 5972 Olton Hall, was built by Great Western Railways, in Swindon in 1937?
In February 2022, the Government launched a national competition to find a location outside London for the national headquarters of Great British Railways.
Swindon along with 41 other towns and cities have entered bids ahead of the shortlist being revealed in May followed by a public vote.
How you can get involved?
Over a thousand people have expressed their support for Swindon’s bid. Some of the comments received are shown below:
- “It’s the home of the GWR. It was Brunel’s choice. If it was good enough for him it is good enough! Plain and simple.”
- “Swindon has an amazing heritage in the railway industry, it is what made Swindon what it is today. It would be fitting to take this to the future as well.”
- “Swindon is a railway town. Has been for all of my lifetime.”
You can add your support by taking a moment to answer this survey and show your support for Swindon’s bid.
If Swindon is shortlisted in the next stage of the completion in May, a public vote will open for people to choose where they think the HQ location should be.
