Transport secretary Louise Haigh was among more than 200 guests at the official opening of Derby’s Rail Campus, and during the event she emphasised that major railway reforms are already under way.

Yesterday’s opening follows the recent creation of Shadow Great British Railways, which is to be based at Derby, and where the GBR Transition Team is already at work.

The city is traditionally described as the largest hub of rail-related businesses in Europe, and the Campus is the result of a joint effort between Derby City Council, the Great British Railways Transition Team, East Midlands Combined County Authority, and other stakeholders.

The transport secretary said the city would play a key role in transforming the railways: ‘Derby is already a hub for rail with the largest concentration of innovation and expertise in Europe, and today I was delighted to see how the local council plans to expand this even further through a new Rail Campus,’ she said.

‘The lack of political leadership on rail has left an industry more comfortable looking inwards, that fails to pull together when things go wrong, that has lost focus on improving each part of people’s experience with the railways – so passengers don’t get the journeys they deserve.

‘The railways are at the centre of our plans for change, and I look forward to seeing how the Campus will lead to greater innovation, growth and collaboration, benefiting not only our rail network but the wider economy too.’

Derby City Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield added: ‘This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Derby; one that will create more training and jobs for local people, and bring huge opportunities for further regeneration.

‘Rail Campus Derby will not only preserve our rail heritage, but will also be a catalyst for future economic growth, bringing together all aspects of the railway industry, attracting more investment, and creating further opportunities for collaboration across the sector.

‘I know the potential that Derby has. We already boast an incredibly skilled workforce and are home to major players and an unrivalled rail sector. By working together we can make Rail Campus Derby the beating heart of the rail network.’