Bus Garage -Colchester, Essex. June, 2008

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Lightbuoy

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Bus Garage / Tram Depot. -Colchester, Essex. June, 2008 part 1

A very good afternoon to you all :)

I noticed that the big metal doors had remained closed on the Bus Garage for a few weeks, then managed to grab some spare time and have a sneaky peek inside this often overlooked little jem.
At first glance, this just seems like another Council-built 1950's Garage / Depot. However, dig a little deeper, and you might find much more ;)
I've been told by one of the more "senior" bus drivers that the site was originally used for Colchester Borough Transport's Trams. First Horse-drawn, until converted to overhead electrically powered in the first decade or so of the 20th. Century.
Armed with this information, things started to become much clearer. The building to the right with the open front were originally the tram sheds, and although the floor has been concreted at some stage, amazingly, they didn't cover over all of the tram tracks -original features -can't beat 'em! :mrgreen:
Also, between these "sheds" and the 1950's Garage with the huge metal doors, lies one of the original Horse-drawn Tram buildings. Brick-built with huge windows. Looking at the architecture, I'd guess it was built in the early part of Queen Victoria's reign? (1840's). This building could easily be missed, as a more modern Office / Reception block has been "bolted" onto the front, I'd say in the 1950's.
Okay, so that's enough of the history and waffle -on with the photos! (to follow shortly) :)
 
Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 2

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 2

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one for Simon! :p;)
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A few more to follow ;)
 
Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 3

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 3

Tram Sheds
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Next lot coming soon.............:)
 
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Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 4

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 4

Horse-drawn Depot
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Another lot on their way............
 
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Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 5

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 5

1950's Garage & Workshops
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.........................;)
 
Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 6

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 6

1950's Garage & Yard
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Last lot coming soon................:mrgreen:
 
Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 7

Bus Garage / Tram Depot -part 7

1950's Garage & Offices / Stores
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Hope that you enjoyed the "selection" from me collection :)

Lb:jimlad:

:exclaim:Aa a closing point to note, although the original horse-drawn building and 1950's Garage / Depot are dis-used, the old tram sheds are still very much in use by the local Bus Company!
 
Could just imagine Blakey with his clipboard shouting....

Why isn't this bus out Butler? i'll have you on report :mrgreen::mrgreen:
 
This was also the Colchester Borough Transport's bus garage, and then Arriva Colchester's when they took over from CBT. As far as I know First (what was Eastern National) now owns what was CBT, so have incorporated their buses into it's own bus depot, hence why it's closed.
 
Definitely more than meets the eye! :D So many interesting details, even in the newer buildings. The horse-drawn depot is an especial delight though. Excellent report as always, Lb. :)
 
Awesome and comprehensive report,well done:)You have really documented the place well with some really good shots,especially love the old furnace and the battered doorknob.Good work:)
 
This was also the Colchester Borough Transport's bus garage, and then Arriva Colchester's when they took over from CBT. As far as I know First (what was Eastern National) now owns what was CBT, so have incorporated their buses into it's own bus depot, hence why it's closed.

Hi buddy -how goes things?

Thanks very much for the info Abo. Speaking with a bus driver the other week, he says that it's getting a real tight squeeze to find somewhere to park all the buses -especially when half the Bus Station is being built-on at the mo! :neutral:

Lb:jimlad:
 
Old man rubber or the Michelin Man when first created back in the depths of time was called Bibendum,always a good question for the local urbex pub quiz.

ta for that :)

And there I was thinking about that bendy chap "Tooms" off the X-Files!!! :unsure::biglaugh:

Lb:jimlad:
 
Definitely more than meets the eye! :D So many interesting details, even in the newer buildings. The horse-drawn depot is an especial delight though. Excellent report as always, Lb. :)

Hi Foxy,

Thanks, as always, for your positive comments! :)
Sure was a great suprise to find out all that extra history.
Unfortunately no access into the Horse-drawn building, which is the oldest part ::no::wcry:

Lb:jimlad:
 

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