Spencer Rail Engineering secure design contract for Norwich Crown Point roof refurbishment

Norwich Crown Point depot

The team have been appointed under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) contract by Greater Anglia to lead the design phase of a major roof refurbishment project at Norwich Crown Point depot.

The contract will develop the design to Form B (detailed design), supported by a phasing plan created alongside depot engineers to identify access, constraints, risks and efficiencies.

The depot, which has serviced and maintained Greater Anglia’s trains for more than 40 years, has faced recurring roof and drainage problems that continue to impact its operations.

Spencer Rail Engineering design and delivery teams will work seamlessly to deliver a comprehensive design package and Stage 2 cost plan that gives the client clarity and confidence before construction begins. This early engagement ensures that construction can be delivered with minimal disruption to the depot’s daily operations.

Building on Greater Anglia’s initial feasibility and outline stage, the project has now entered the detailed design stage. During this period, all technical drawings, specifications and calculations will be developed, while ensuring that design risks, regulatory requirements and building issues are addressed.

Embedding construction methodology within the detailed design reduces the risk of costly redesigns or delays in the delivery phase, providing both Spencer Rail Engineering and Greater Anglia with more certainty around the budget and the timeline.

As part of this design phase, the team will establish comprehensive plans to replace the main roof cladding and upgrade ancillary areas, including skylights, safe walkways and access for future maintenance. The plan will also integrate new systems, including fire detection, ventilation, electrical upgrades and lightning protection.

By investing in a thorough and collaborative phasing and planning process, both Greater Anglia and Spencer Rail Engineering are ensuring the deliverability of the project.

This approach ensures that Greater Anglia’s immediate operational requirements are met while also supporting their transition back into public ownership, which happened on the 12th of October 2025.

James Barnes, Principal Engineer at Spencer Rail Engineering, said:

“We are looking forward to getting into the details of the architectural and engineering work. By combining practical engineering with thoughtful design, we can create a solution that meets the depot’s needs today while also considering future maintenance and operations.”

“Our goal is to deliver a design that works smoothly for Greater Anglia, meeting their objectives with as little disruption as possible. By taking a collaborative approach, we can give the client confidence that the roof and canopy will perform well in the long term, providing a long-lasting solution.”

Andrew Goodrum, Infrastructure and Projects Director for Greater Anglia, said:

“The Crown Point depot in Norwich is a vital maintenance hub for Greater Anglia’s train fleet, supporting services from Norwich and Stansted Airport to London, as well as regional routes across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk.”

“We look forward to reviewing the detailed plans developed by Spencer Rail Engineering and thank them for their thorough and considered approach, which will help ensure this essential facility continues to support rail services across East Anglia for decades to come.”