Doncaster and Goole launch 'Rail in Yorkshire' partnership to boost investment from sector

Rail has been a major part of Doncaster’s economy for more than 150 years and is home to major rail businesses such as Hitachi Rail, Freightliner, Network Rail, Hird Rail and GB Railfreight.

Meanwhile, Siemens Mobility is developing a new 67-acre train manufacturing facility in Goole to supply the next generation of trains to the UK market, with Transport for London orders for the new Piccadilly Line already in production.

Victoria Poppleton, Sector Growth and Investment Team Leader for City of Doncaster Council, and Bekki Banks, Inward Investment Project Manager for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, recognised that working together collaboratively and developing a more strategic approach would help generate opportunities for private investors and create jobs for the growth of the local economy and the rail sector.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “I am delighted to see this new partnership, which will deliver enhanced local investment messages, support growth and innovation and help to influence further investment across the rail sector. There is great potential by working together, it reflects the geography of the area whilst also acknowledging the commonalities between both locations allowing us to attract new rail companies to invest in the region.

"It's great for neighbouring authorities to be working together in this way. There are naturally strong rail ties between both Doncaster and Goole, and this gives us an opportunity to build on our shared heritage and look ahead to the future.”

Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “I am delighted that we are working together so closely with Doncaster, which has such a prestigious history within the UK's rail sector. We share a postcode but also a can-do attitude to business and this mutually beneficial partnership will help develop the local economies of both areas. For international rail companies looking to invest in the UK, Goole and Doncaster combine to create a compelling offer that will help grow their business and support the exiting supply chains within the area.”