Greater Anglia’s Crown Point depot saw over 1,200 people attend an open day on Saturday, 6 June, marking the first time the site has welcomed the public in almost 40 years.

Opened on 27 October 1982, Crown Point replaced Norwich engine shed and was electrified in 1986/87 as the Great Eastern Main Line electrification programme was completed. Currently, the depot services up to 27 trains every 24 hours, carrying out fuelling, cleaning, and sanding. 

Visitors were given a rare opportunity to explore the operational depot, with a Class 745 12-car electric train on display and several Class 755 bi-mode units open for tours of both driving cabs and passenger saloons.

Among the attractions were cab tours of Colas Rail Freight Class 37 and Class 56 locomotives, the Wissington steam engine from the North Norfolk Railway, a Freightliner Class 90 locomotive, and a Class 08 shunter, along with a miniature steam-powered road train.

Visitors were also able to view wheelsets, traction motors, engines, and other railway equipment, alongside exhibits explaining how rolling stock is maintained.

The event also welcomed a wide range of exhibitors, including the Mid-Norfolk Railway, British Transport Police, and Norwich Model Railway Club.

Crown Point’s open day also highlighted growing collaboration between Greater Anglia, Network Rail Anglia, and industry partners as work continues under the developing Great British Rail Anglia structure.

“It was a brilliant day and a real pleasure to open the gates, welcome everyone in and show people how our depot works.

“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.”

Helen Dickerson, Norwich Crown Point’s Yard Operations Manager.