A bid has been officially submitted for Carnforth to become the home of a new public body that will be in charge of the country’s railways.
Lancaster City Council has formally submitted its expression of interest in the town becoming the location for the first headquarters of Great British Railways.
The bid focuses on Carnforth’s rich rail heritage and the benefits it would reap through the new HQ.
The town’s connections with the railway, in particular the Victorian steam revolution, are rich and deep, with it still affectionately referred to as ‘Steamtown’.
Carnforth’s importance came from its position at the crossroads of the North-South mainline and the East-West lines linking the Furness peninsula with West Yorkshire and beyond. It became not only a hub for the railways, but also for the Post Office and the site of an iron and steel works.
This indelible link with the railways was immortalised in David Lean’s 1956 film Brief Encounter, with one of the most romantic and poignant love scenes in cinema history shot at Carnforth.
The bid also looks at the wider economic benefits the new HQ would bring to Carnforth and how it would be the perfect ‘levelling up’ project.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “I believe we have put together a compelling case as to why Carnforth should become the first headquarters for Great British Railways.
"Carnforth’s ‘crossroads’ status - spanning the borders of Lancashire and Cumbria, with connectivity to the north, south, east and west - provides the perfect opportunity for a levelling-up initiative that will directly and demonstrably benefit our whole community.
“The town’s strong existing link to the railways via its heritage would be further enhanced by national recognition. Furthermore, it is proposed that some relatively minor and inexpensive improvements to Carnforth Station’s connectivity would enable additional investment around rail infrastructure and skills, as well as wider industry opportunities."
An announcement on which areas have been shortlisted for the new Great British Railways HQ is expected to be made in May.
A non-binding public vote will then take place before a final decision is made this summer.
Morecambe BID gets overwhelming backing to continue for another five years
Forces veteran launches campaign to stop demolition of former Morecambe bus shelter
LISTEN: "A thriving Winter Gardens benefits Morecambe"
New mural unveiled to brighten up crime hot-spot in Lancaster city centre
New upgrades unveiled at cherished Lancaster woodland
Silverdale holiday park celebrates Cumbria Tourism award success
'Exceptional' Ofsted report for Lancaster school-based teacher trainers
Morecambe lifeboat crew called out to people watching eclipse
PHOTOS: Once in a generation solar eclipse delights people across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Government housing inspectors tell Lancaster City Council that improvement is needed
Morecambe FC censured by football regulator
New Indian restaurant opening soon in Lancaster
Investigation after fire in touring caravan on Promenade in Morecambe
Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area prepares for best eclipse for a quarter of a century
Heartbreak over state of eyesore former Lancaster pub as council takes action
Street Champions campaign launched in West End of Morecambe
First glimpse of 'Realm of the Moon' as new Eden Project Morecambe hub set to officially open
Lancaster festival returns to raise funds for mental health awareness
Dad and daughter become stars for the day on TV series The Bay
Firefighters tackle fire in high-rise flats on Lancaster estate
