Historic Derby Tramcar to Return to its Spiritual Home
A tramcar in the National Tramway Museum (NTM) collection at Crich Tramway Village, which originally ran in Derby, is to return to its spiritual home as part of an exciting new project.
Derby Corporation tramcar No. 1, which was built in 1903, will be loaned for display as part of Derby’s new centre for classic motor vehicle restoration - ‘Great Northern Classics’ – at the former Victoria Ironworks foundry on Osmaston Road. The building has a long history of industrial engineering use and most recently served as the Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre. Most significantly for the display of the Derby tram, at one time the building was used by Derby Corporation as a depot to house trams and trolleybuses. This ambitious project has re-purposed the building to house new commercial units, workshops and showrooms for classic motor vehicles, alongside running an Apprenticeship programme for engineering skills.
Dr Mike Galer, General Manager at Crich Tramway Village said:
“I am thrilled that after many months of work and negotiation, Derby 1 is returning to its once home and that doesn’t happen very often. It will be able to be enjoyed by a brand-new audience who can appreciate Derby 1 in its original setting.
“We would like to thank Arts Council England and Museum Development East Midlands for the support for the Derby 1 tram loan project.”
The founders of Great Northern Classics are keen to maintain the link with Derby’s heritage of transport and engineering and will be opening to the public in November 2023.
Abigail Whitt, Sales & Marketing Lead at Great Northern Classics, said:
“We’re super excited for the tram to return to its original home, that will sit among a wonderful collection of vehicles in our storage facility. The tram will be on display overlooked by our mezzanine and café for all of Derby to see. We’re really proud to have such an important piece of Derby’s transport history here at Great Northern Classics.”
For more information about the project see: www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk
Specific enquiries can be emailed to Crich Tramway Village: enquiry@tramway.co.uk
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