Trowse station opened in 1845 as the original terminus of the Norwich & Brandon Railway. Its importance diminished when Trowse swingbridge opened allowing trains to run into Norwich Thorpe station. It was an early closure due to bus competition and its proximity to the city. However, it was very busy handling livestock for the cattle market, then in front of the castle. Cattle would be held in pens at the station and walked to/from the city via Bere Street. This traffic was lost to road when the new Lakenham market opened.
The station had a short moment in the spotlight in 1986 when it was used as a terminus whilst Norwich station was remodelled in preparation for electrification. After which it remained empty and slowly fell into disrepair, The roof lost slates rain came in and rot took hold. Grade 2 listed, the building could not be demolished but was uneconomic to maintain or restore.
NRF plan to lease the building from Arch Co. who lease the building from Network Rail. The aim is to sympathetically restore the exterior whilst providing a community hub café and meeting spaces plus a museum telling the story of this small corner of Norwich. All supporting the aim of putting the building on a long-term sustainable footing. In preparation for NRF taking on the building, Arch Co and Network Rail, supported by Railway Heritage Trust, have replaced the roof and upper trackside windows. All under the watchful eye of the Norwich City Council conservation officer.
