Netherlands-style cycle facilities planned for Norwich train station

Norwich train station

The type of cycling facilities seen in the Netherlands may soon come to Norwich train station, under a rail firm’s vision.

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Greater Anglia opened its first Cycle Point facility in 2013, at Chelmsford train station. Plans have been lodged for a similar facility - to a different design - at Norwich train station. Greater Anglia opened its first Cycle Point facility in 2013, at Chelmsford train station. Plans have been lodged for a similar facility - to a different design - at Norwich train station.

Abellio Greater Anglia hopes to create 400 bicycle parking spaces and a cycle centre - with toilet and changing room facilities for cyclists and a bike repairs shop, that would also sell spare bike parts and accessories.

The firm has submitted a planning application to Norwich City Council, with consultation set to run until December 10.

New cycling facilities at Norwich station would be called Cycle Point - a brand named owned by Greater Anglia.

An Abellio Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We are developing plans for a new cycle parking facility at Norwich station to include secure parking and to incorporate new retail, hire and repair facilities for cyclists using the busy station.

A Greater Anglia train at Norwich on the main line service to London Liverpool Street. Photo: Bill Smith A Greater Anglia train at Norwich on the main line service to London Liverpool Street. Photo: Bill Smith

“We successfully opened a Cycle Point at Chelmsford station last year and work will shortly be underway on another development at Cambridge station in the New Year, and other new Cycle Points are also planned for Colchester and Ely stations.”

The cycle hire compound on the platform concourse would be removed, with free two-tier racks to be built by the bus shelters and paid-for secure storage with CCTV to be built in an area that is currently used as a staff car park.

No adjustments to the listed station building, built in 1886, are proposed.

The cycle centre would abut the station building, but would be structurally independent.

In a written report, Kieran Yates of the city council’s highways department said he welcomed the plans.

He noted that more than four million rail journeys were made from Norwich station annually, and demand for the 158 cycle stands currently at the station was high and often at capacity.

“There is considerable potential for rail/cycle interchange on an inbound and outbound basis that the cycle centre and improved cycle parking can capitalise upon,” wrote Mr Yates.

He added the proposed cycle centre would be “convenient” in its location next to the main station building.