19th July 2021 · The History of Crewe Heritage Centre

The Zoom meeting held on 19th July entitled “The History of Crewe Heritage Centre” was presented by Michael Lenz.

Michael explained that the Centre was set up in the mid-1980s with the help of local councils in order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Crewe station. It was opened in June 1987, with an official opening by Her Majesty the Queen one month later. It then became “The Railway Age” between 1992 and 2007.

It has had mixed fortunes and has been much reduced in size during its life because part of the area was sold off to become a supermarket, and there was a period thereafter when the site began to resemble a scrap yard.

Although it was close to closure in the mid-1990s its fortunes improved, and Michael (who was involved with the “8E Association” in Northwich) became Manager in 2007.

Over the years the 8E association has continually helped with the servicing of locomotives on site when used for tours and the site has hosted many visiting steam and diesel locomotives.

For the future 86259 is shortly expected to be retired there and 91031, the last locomotive built at the nearby works, is expected to arrive, and there are plans for a new building to house exhibits from the NRM.