Network Rail is turning to the public to choose the name for its new railway training facility in Doncaster.
Situated in Carolina Way near Lakeside; the facility, which is set to open this October, will serve as a hub for operational training, development and training for up to 1,000 workers from across the rail industry annually.
The building was previously known as the National College for High Speed Rail before Network Rail took it over in late 2024.
Network Rail has now opened a poll on its website, offering the public their choice of four names for the new facility:
- Duddington & Bray House – recognising the vital contributions of Doncaster-locals Joe Duddington (engine driver) and Tommy Bray (fireman) who achieved a world speed record for steam of 126 mph in 1938 with the Mallard locomotive, built in Doncaster
- Flying Scotsman House – honouring the locomotive built at Doncaster Works in 1923, which became the first steam locomotive to officially record speeds of 100 mph
- The Corridor – acknowledging the East Coast Main Line corridor that runs through Doncaster, connecting London to Scotland
- The Gresley Institute – in tribute to Sir Nigel Gresley, the chief mechanical engineer who designed both the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman at Doncaster Works
Laura Smith, Network Rail’s programme manager for the new training centre, said:This facility will allow us to provide top class training to current and future colleagues across the railway industry and builds on Doncaster’s proud railway heritage.
We want the public to help us choose a name that celebrates the city’s remarkable railway legacy. It’s fitting that during Railway 200, the people of Doncaster and railway enthusiasts everywhere can play a part in continuing the city’s railway story.
Voting closes at midnight Thursday 25 September.
