Network Rail has officially named its new Doncaster railway training centre The Gresley Institute, following a public vote that drew more than 3,500 responses in partnership with City of Doncaster Council.

The three-storey building on Carolina Way, near Lakeside, has been revitalised by Network Rail after previously housing the National College for High Speed Rail. The modernised facility now serves as a hub for operational training, education, and development for the rail industry.

Training at the centre began on 6 October, with the facility expected to educate up to 1,000 rail industry colleagues each year. It features 21 classrooms across two floors and includes advanced signalling simulators, ranging from traditional lever-pull models to contemporary visual display systems.

With strong connections to existing educational programmes and a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) learning, The Gresley Institute is designed to support training for Network Rail and the wider rail sector.

The name honours Sir Nigel Gresley, the pioneering chief mechanical engineer behind the Mallard and Flying Scotsman locomotives built at Doncaster Works, who transformed steam locomotive design. The name won 57% of the public vote.

Sarah Newman, Network Rail business change manager, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the transformation of the Doncaster site now complete, and just as excited that the public has chosen a name that reflects the city’s proud railway legacy. It has been wonderful to have thousands of people taking part in the vote. The Gresley Institute will become a cornerstone for training the next generation of rail industry professionals, and we’re proud to have worked with City of Doncaster Council and the wider rail industry to bring it back into use."

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, added:

“It is truly fantastic to see this site that was established to support training in the rail industry continuing in that dedicated purpose. Doncaster has a long and noble history of rail and an even brighter one with this facility and the range of expertise in rail companies that call Doncaster home. Doncaster is the newest city in the north of England and has so many opportunities being developed to boost our economy, grow our industry specialisms and create jobs, training and ambition.”

Philip Benham, chairman of the Gresley Society Trust, said:

“We are delighted to see such a clear result from the naming campaign in favour of The Gresley Institute. Sir Nigel Gresley lived in Doncaster for many years, and his greatest engineering achievements were created here – including in his streamlined trains of the 1930s, Britain’s first high speed trains. Development and innovation were at the heart of Sir Nigel’s designs, so it is entirely appropriate that his name should be associated with the Institute where the rail industry’s future professionals will learn their skills. Next year will see the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth, so this naming is especially timely.”

The winning name was unveiled at a ceremony on Friday 31 October, attended by rail industry representatives and South Yorkshire dignitaries.

Image: Network Rail