Locomotive legacy lives on at InterCity Place

Former University of Plymouth engine sign takes pride of place
Mark Hopwood, Bob Fern, Trevor Wills, Jane Jones and Jon Shaw at InterCity Place
A sign from the side of an InterCity 125 railway engine has found a new home in the University of Plymouth’s hub for health professions, nursing and midwifery.
The nameplate was originally unveiled during a ceremony at Plymouth Railway Station back in March 2011.
Now, almost 15 years later – thanks to a generous donation from GWR – it has been mounted on the wall of the entrance lobby at InterCity Place .
GWR’s Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said:
“I am delighted that the University of Plymouth nameplate is on display at the University, and it is of course very fitting that it is in the InterCity building that was once home to rail staff. We believe very strongly in linking rail services to the community and the prominent display of the nameplate is a visual reminder of our ongoing links.”
The power car which carried the University’s name was number 43149 and is still going strong.
It has since retired from service with GWR and is now part of ScotRail’s fleet, running on the Edinburgh to Inverness route.
The University’s Professor Jon Shaw – Head of School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences – and Estates and Facilities Director, Mr Trevor Wills , are rail enthusiasts who spotted the sign going up for auction and approached GWR to offer it a new home.

We’re so grateful to GWR for this generous donation from our friends at GWR. Redeveloping InterCity Place and giving the iconic 11-storey tower block a new lease of life wasn’t just a key part of our Campus Masterplan.

It was a labour of love for my team and our partners, and that’s why it’s so satisfying to have this incredible piece of history in pride of place, greeting everyone who comes into the building.

Trevor WillsMr Trevor Wills
Director of Estates & Facilities

Former Vice-Chancellor Wendy Purcell unveiled to locomotive sign in 2011
Former Vice-Chancellor Wendy Purcell originally unveiled the sign in 2011
InterCity Place was originally constructed for British Railways as ‘Intercity House’ back in the 1960s.
The building, next door to Plymouth station, reopened following a £33 million refurbishment in 2023 and is now home to some of the 4,500-plus students working hard to become the next generation of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals at the University.