Greater Anglia welcomed more than 1,200 visitors to its Norwich Crown Point depot on Saturday 6 June, opening the facility to the public for the first time in almost four decades.
The open day offered railway enthusiasts, families and members of the local community a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of East Anglia’s busiest train maintenance depots and gain first-hand insight into how trains are prepared for daily passenger service.
A range of modern and heritage rolling stock was on display throughout the event, showcasing both the future and history of rail operations in the region.
Visitors were able to explore Greater Anglia’s Class 745 intercity electric train, while several Class 755 bi-mode units were opened for guided tours of the driver’s cab and passenger areas. Engineering displays featuring train wheelsets, traction motors, engines and other key components provided an insight into the technical expertise required to maintain the operator’s modern fleet.
Heritage and freight rail operators also played a key role in the event. Popular attractions included cab tours of Colas Rail Freight Class 37 and Class 56 locomotives, as well as a Freightliner Class 90 locomotive, a class once synonymous with Norwich to London services before the introduction of Greater Anglia’s new intercity fleet in 2020.
Adding a further historical dimension, the North Norfolk Railway’s Wissington steam locomotive attracted significant interest, while a Class 08 shunting locomotive demonstrated the type of equipment still used to move rolling stock around depots at low speeds.
Families were also able to enjoy rides on a small steam-powered road train operating around the site.
The event highlighted the wider railway community across East Anglia, with organisations including the Bure Valley Railway, Mid-Norfolk Railway and the Bittern and Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnerships attending to promote their activities and engage with visitors.
British Transport Police officers were also on hand to discuss railway safety and showcase one of their operational vehicles, while Norwich Model Railway Club displayed a number of detailed layouts celebrating the region’s railway heritage.
Helen Dickerson, Yard Operations Manager at Norwich Crown Point, said the event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the work carried out behind the scenes.
“It was a brilliant day and a real pleasure to open the gates, welcome everyone in and show people how our depot works,” she said.
“The engines and locomotives on display came from near and far, but all with a strong East Anglian connection, which was further strengthened with local heritage railways, partner organisations and community rail partnerships all taking part.
“There was a great buzz throughout the day, and Greater Anglia and Network Rail teams were only too happy to talk to visitors about their roles and provide tours of the train cabs, yard controller offices and signal box.”
Steve Mitchell, Greater Anglia’s Head of Engineering and Assurance, said the open day highlighted the expertise required to maintain a reliable passenger railway.
“We were proud to open Norwich Crown Point depot to the public for the first time in almost 40 years,” he said.
“It was a brilliant opportunity to show the skill, care and teamwork that goes into preparing trains for passenger service every day and deliver a very punctual and reliable service. We hope it inspired some visitors to consider a future career on the railway.”
Norwich Crown Point has played a central role in East Anglia’s railway operations since opening in October 1982. Built to replace the former Norwich engine shed, it became a key maintenance facility for intercity services and was electrified in the late 1980s as part of the Great Eastern Main Line modernisation programme.
Today, the depot services up to 27 trains every 24 hours, carrying out essential activities including fuelling, cleaning, sanding and maintenance inspections to keep services operating safely and reliably.
The event also reflected the increasingly integrated approach developing across the region’s railway. Teams from Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia worked together throughout the day, alongside heritage railways, community rail partnerships and industry partners.
The open day comes as Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia continue their transition towards a more integrated operating model under GBR Anglia, bringing track and train closer together to improve coordination, planning and operational performance as the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways.
Image: Greater Anglia
