The Golden Sunset of Philadelphia Depot
Leyland National FTN710W stands in Philadelphia depot
At a staggering 117 years old, the Philadelphia depot has gone through many various changes, from a buyout by Northern general, to becoming part of the National bus company. In July 2022 demolition commenced leaving behind many years of local history.
In 1899 - 1900 authorization to construct a tramway was given, but due to financial difficulties, the Company was unable to proceed with construction. In January 1904 work commenced and in 1905 the tramway opened for business with the first tram service from Houghton le Spring to Grangetown opened. With the increase of tram operations in 1906 Philadelphia depot was built, today the home of the Northern National Restoration Group. Unfortunately in 1924, the decision was taken to abandon the tramways completely; this was due to the cost of the operation, Northern saved the company from bankruptcy and purchased the depot. In 1925 Sunderland & District Electric Tramways was renamed the Sunderland and District Omnibus Company, which after six years of operations was sold to Northern General Transport. In 1957 construction began to extend the Philadelphia depot for usage, this was completed in 1959.
Over the next 23 years, a lot of changes were made with the National Bus Company being formed as well as Sunderland District, Sunderland & District Omnibus Company became part of the Northern General Transport, and Sunderland & District Omnibus company became Go Wear Buses. Unfortunately in June 1998, Philadelphia closed its doors as an operational depot after 90 years of service. Since 1998 the depot has been occupied by a few different companies such as L.H Cars and Commercials, L.H. Warehousing, and most recently KB Tyres.
May 2022 - a line up outside the former depot
In 2008 it was announced the depot was earmarked for demolition and with the sad news former Drivers, Engineers, and other related staff were invited to have a last look around the depot before demolition crews moved in, a photoshoot then followed on the depot forecourt. After 14 years in July 2022 the depot was finally demolished, resulting in an unrecognisable site by August.
In May 2022 the Northern National Restoration group held an open day at there building which lead to a farewell event to commemorate the history of Philadelphia with a final line-up photograph in front of the depot. Philadelphia depot was vacated by KB Tyres a few days later.
On June 1st 2022 an unexpected visitor to the Northern National Restoration Group depot saw a discussion take place which resulted in group owned Leyland National FTN710W 4710 taking one last trip to her home depot where she was new to Northern in 1981. During her trip she was lined up in the former depot where she would have been parked when in operation out of Philadelphia depot. As FTN710W arrived in the former depot one of the most beautiful, golden sunsets took place outside of the depot casting a golden sunset through the depot roof. 4710 was taken back into Philadelphia depot by group members, Alex, Rachel, Hayley and Leo, a touching tribute to the generation who once worked there.
To close the doors and be the last vehicle to depart for one last time at Philadelphia was 4710, a former Philadelphia vehicle, has the honour of being the last ever vehicle to be driven out of Philadelphia Depot after 117 years. The next day barriers were erected and demolition started to make way for new houses and supermarkets, as well as a new road network.
Photos: Alex, Leo, Rachel and Hayley