A new railway training centre is taking shape in Doncaster, and the public has just one week left to vote on its name. The new facility, located in the former National College for High Speed Rail, is being redeveloped by Network Rail in partnership with the City of Doncaster Council.
The three-storey centre on Carolina Way will provide operational training, education, and development for up to 1,000 rail workers from across the industry each year. Recent work has focused on converting the building to create 21 classrooms. Signalling simulators, including both traditional and modern digital versions, have also been delivered to the site.
The college will be used for Network Rail and wider industry training, with a strong focus on STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and maths).
A Nod to Doncaster’s Heritage
The public can choose a name from a shortlist that celebrates Doncaster’s rich railway heritage:
- Duddington & Bray House: In recognition of Joe Duddington and Tommy Bray, the engine driver and fireman who set a world speed record with the Mallard locomotive in 1938.
- Flying Scotsman House: Honoring the legendary locomotive built at Doncaster Works in 1923, which was the first steam train to be officially recorded at 100mph.
- The Corridor: Acknowledging the famous East Coast Main Line corridor that runs through Doncaster.
- The Gresley Institute: A tribute to Sir Nigel Gresley, the chief mechanical engineer who designed both the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard.
Laura Smith, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see the transformation of the Doncaster site progressing so well. This new college will be a cornerstone for training the next generation of rail industry professionals, and we’re proud to be working with the City of Doncaster Council to bring it back into use. We’ve already had thousands of votes in the public naming poll, and with just one week to go, we’re encouraging everyone to get involved and help us choose a name that reflects Doncaster’s proud railway heritage.”
The public vote will close at midnight on Thursday, 25th September, with the chosen name to be revealed in October.
