Leicester Transport Heritage Trust in conjunction with North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire County Council and Coalville Heritage Society presents the 100 years celebration of Midland Red’s Coalville Bus Depot.
On the 7 September, the whole of Snibston Colliery Park, including the theatre will come together for the 100 Year Celebration (1925 – 2025) event with lots of exciting experiences and activities.
As well as the fantastic play area and catering offer at Grounds Café Snibston, there will be plenty for the whole family to get involved with including:
- Vintage transport films showing in the Main Theatre between 11am to 3pm
- Free heritage bus rides around Coalville and the surrounding area
- Static display of vintage buses at the Colliery Park
- Transport sale stands at the Colliery Park
Limited car parking is available on site (fees payable) but additional parking is available in Coalville’s Town centre or Linden Way.
For more details contact Leicester Transport Heritage Trust info@ltht.org.uk or visit Leicester Transport Heritage Trust website.
Brief history of Coalville Depot
Purpose built by Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company Limited (BMMO—Midland “Red” Motor Services), including an Enquiry and Booking Office.
Opened on Sunday 6 December 1925.
The town’s name is highly descriptive and the winding wheel of Snibston colliery immediately to the rear overlooked the bus garage on Ashby Road. The latter was constructed in classic BMMO architectural style of the period.
Extended in 1930, with housing in James’s Terrace demolished to give room an extra bay and entrance.
Allocation of 47 vehicles by 1934, made up of 44 single-deck and three double-decker buses.
Extended in July 1938, to bring the capacity to 75 vehicles. Steel-framed with brick constructed offices and workshops, it included a Booking and Enquiry office on the frontage. Land purchases by BMMO included a row of cottages, the nearest one being used a store by the company for many years.
Company renamed to Midland Fox Limited on 24 January 1984 and then later to Arriva in1997.
Depot closed on Saturday 26 March 2011 with vehicles transferring to either Burton or Thurmaston garages.
First ‘Fox Cubs’ minibus introduced into Coalville 27 July 1985.
