Welcome to The Greatest Gathering – Celebrating Rail in Derby!

This weekend (1st – 3rd August), Derby becomes the heart of Britain’s rail celebration as The Greatest Gathering takes place at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site. While you’re staying at the historic Derby Conference Centre, you’re also stepping into a key piece of railway history.

Derby Conference Centre: A Legacy of Learning

Did you know the Derby Conference Centre was originally the LMS School of Transport, opened in 1938? Built by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway, this stunning Art Deco building once trained thousands of railway workers. It featured lecture halls, a model railway, and real train simulation equipment.

The building, designed by William H. Hamlyn (LMSR’s principal architect), is an Art Deco gem built of brick with Portland stone dressings and a pantile roof. Its grand facade includes an arcade of recessed and pilastered bays adorned with eight shallow carved bas-reliefs by sculptor Denis Dunlop, depicting different facets of LMS operations: loco building, rolling stock, signals, civil engineering, architecture, research, marine transport, and traffic operations.

A full-height staircase window above the portico features a carved stone LMS crest, and the roof is crowned by a two-stage lantern and cupola, topped by a gilded star – a symbol of “continued optimism and faith in the railway service,” according to the Railway Gazette.

Inside, visitors are greeted by mural panels by Norman Wilkinson showing an LMS ferry and a trio of locomotives, from The Rocket to the streamlined Princess Coronation Pacific. These flank the doors to the building’s central space: The Hall of Transport, now known as The Sunken Lounge. Originally, this space housed a large electric gauge ‘O’ model railway used to teach signalling and operations.

Today, it offers comfort and charm for visitors while preserving its roots in railway excellence.

Our History

Constructed as the first purpose-built training college for railway staff, the LMS School of Transport opened in 1938 and played a vital role for over five decades. During World War II, it trained Royal Engineers in collaboration with the Melbourne Military Railway and later supported the rehabilitation of railway workers returning from service.

In the 1950s, a diesel traction demonstration building was added, along with mechanical and electrical engineering courses. The school was renamed The Railway Engineering School in 1976 when the national signalling and telecommunications training centre was established, introducing electronics and signalling programs.

Further expansions followed in the 1980s and 1990s, including a dedicated conference suite for British Rail’s Quality and Safety Services Department in 1991. By 1994, Derby became home to the College of Railway Technology, combining centres from across the UK. In 1998, this evolved into Catalis Rail Training Ltd.

In 2007, the RTC Group, parent company of The Derby Conference Centre, launched a full restoration of the building. The famous sunken lounge, bar, restaurant, and suites were returned to their original glory, cementing the building’s role as a leading hotel, event, and training venue, and a proud Grade II Listed Building.

Want to know more about our  history? View a visual version here!

Alstom Derby: Innovation in Motion

Just a short walk away lies Alstom‘s Litchurch Lane site, the only UK facility where trains are designed, built, and tested end-to-end. From the Elizabeth Line to modern high-speed trains, Alstom Derby continues to power the future of UK rail transport.

This weekend, the site hosts The Greatest Gathering, bringing together rail professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators to celebrate the people and power of Britain’s rail industry.

Walking Directions to Alstom

Only a 6 minute walk away!

1. Head south-west on Ascot Drive (left as you are looking at Dunlem).
2. Turn right onto Osmaston Road.
3. Turn right onto Litchurch Lane.
4. Walk straight until you reach the Alstom site entrance.

Address: Alstom, Litchurch Lane, Derby DE24 8AD

If you are attending the weekends event – find out more on Alstom’s Website!

The Derby Conference Centre & Railway200

Join the Celebration – we’d love for you to be part of this historic moment!

Come visit The Derby Conference Centre, explore our unique venue, and celebrate 200 years of railway history with us. Whether you’re planning an event, attending a conference, or just looking for a place to stay, we’re here to welcome you with open arms.

Find out more!