Passengers travelling through Great Yarmouth Station are now welcomed by a Broads Discovery Hub, installed as part of a series of improvements to the station environment.

The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP) created and installed the Discovery Hub, following a grant from train operator Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund and a collaboration with The Broads Charitable Trust, a charity that helps create and support projects throughout the Broads National Park.

The Discovery Hub consists of a series of oak plinths that can be found adjacent to the railway station and the Bure Bridge entrance to the town. It aims to inform visitors about the history of the Broads and explores themes including the ecology of the Broads National Park, history of the railway, and the history of Great Yarmouth. Maps of the town feature alongside details of three popular walking routes: the Weavers Way, Wherryman’s Way, and Angles Way, which all converge near the station.

Norfolk firm Cap.Co was commissioned to manufacture and install the hub using materials that were sustainably sourced.

Martin Halliday, Wherry Lines CRP development officer, said: “We are delighted to have worked with the Broads Trust to install the Discovery Hub adjacent to Great Yarmouth Station. Throughout the summer, it has provided an excellent source of information for visitors to the town and for those seeking to explore the walking routes through the National Park. 

“The funding received from Greater Anglia has enabled the project and, in time, the structure will complement future plans by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to restore the Bure Bridge and enhance the North Quay area, which is an important gateway to the town”.

Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia’s partnerships manager, said: “We were pleased to support this initiative which has facilitated the installation of the Discovery Hub at Great Yarmouth Station thanks to the amazing work of the Wherry Lines CRP and the Broads Trust.

“We are always looking to enhance the role of the railway in support of the communities it serves, and our new Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a way of supporting more locally focused enhancements in line with community needs.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Wherry Lines CRP via their website.