The Crown Point depot on the edge of the city is one of the most important elements of the region's railways, but not many have had the opportunity to see what goes on behind the walls.

A train is cleaned at the Crown Point depot in Norwich in 2001 (Image: Bill Smith)

However, for the first time in more than 30 years, that is about to change, when Greater Anglia opens up the depot for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the facility.

A special event this summer will see the public able to explore the depot, where Greater Anglia’s intercity and regional trains are prepared for service.

Opened in 1982 and now operated in partnership with Stadler, Crown Point plays a vital role in supporting rail services, with up to 27 trains refuelled and sanded every 24 hours. 

Sir Peter Parker opens Crown Point in October 1982 (Image: Newsquest)

Visitors will be able to see Greater Anglia’s Class 745 intercity electric trains, used between Norwich and London Liverpool Street and on the Stansted Express route between London and Stansted Airport.

The Class 755 bi-mode trains used on regional routes across the East of England network will also be on show.

A locomotive is prepared at the Crown Point depot (Image: Simon Finlay)

The day will also feature engineering demonstrations, railway heritage exhibits and the chance to meet the people who keep the railway running.

The open day, on Saturday, June 6, will run from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are free, but they must be booked in advance, with Greater Anglia bosses predicting the event will be very popular.

Helen Dickerson, depot yard manager at Crown Point, said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to Crown Point for what promises to be a fantastic day. 

"This is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of a working depot and see first-hand the work that goes into keeping our trains running safely and reliably every day, connecting communities across East Anglia with each other and with London, and enabling longer journeys right across the UK rail network. 

"We hope visitors of all ages will enjoy learning more about the railway and meeting the people who make it happen."

The event forms part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern railway.

Tickets can be booked at www.greateranglia.co.uk/crown-point-depot-open-day 

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