Alstom Launches First Great British Railways Identity on Anglia Trains as Class 357 and Class 720 Fleets Enter New Era of Rail Modernization

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Alstom has launched the first Great British Railways identity on Anglia trains, introducing the new national branding to refurbished Class 357 Electrostar and Class 720 Aventra fleets as part of a wider rail modernization programme. The rollout marks a new era for rail services across the East of England by combining fleet refurbishment, environmentally friendly upgrades, and the integration of c2c, Greater Anglia, and Network Rail Anglia under a unified regional structure to improve reliability, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience.

The launch included both c2c Class 357 Electrostar trains and Greater Anglia Class 720 Aventra electric multiple units. These trains are among the first to display the new national branding, which will gradually appear across more rolling stock as refurbishment and repainting work continues. The introduction of the new identity reflects the railway industry’s efforts to simplify operations while creating a more recognizable national rail network for passengers.

The new branding also coincides with the formation of GBR Anglia, which brings together c2c, Greater Anglia, and Network Rail Anglia under a unified regional leadership structure. By aligning train operations and rail infrastructure more closely, the new model is intended to improve day-to-day decision-making, strengthen accountability, and enhance the coordination of services across the East of England. The integrated approach is expected to deliver more reliable services, quicker responses to operational challenges, and a more consistent experience for passengers using the region’s railway network.

A key part of this transformation is the refurbishment programme being carried out by Alstom at its Ilford Depot in East London. The specialist facility has completed the repainting of two additional Class 357 Electrostar units, bringing the total number of refurbished trains in the programme to 53. The project forms part of a comprehensive paint and repair initiative covering the operator’s entire Class 357 fleet, with 21 trains still scheduled to receive the new Great British Railways branding in the coming months.

The refurbishment programme extends well beyond cosmetic improvements. Each train undergoes an extensive restoration process that helps preserve its structural integrity while extending its operational lifespan. The work supports long-term fleet reliability and ensures passengers continue to benefit from dependable services as the trains remain in operation for several more years.

Approximately 35.8 million passenger journeys are made on c2c services every year, making fleet reliability a critical priority. By investing in refurbishment rather than replacement, operators can maintain high performance standards while maximizing the value of existing rolling stock. Once the repainting programme is complete, every Class 357 train operating on the c2c network will carry the new Great British Railways identity, creating a consistent appearance across the fleet.

The Class 357 Electrostar trains were originally manufactured at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane facility between 1999 and 2002. The fleet continues to operate under long-term leasing agreements and is expected to remain in passenger service until 2029. Alongside these trains, c2c also operates the newer Class 720 Aventra fleet, which was likewise built in Derby and entered commercial service in 2023. Greater Anglia also operates a significant fleet of Class 720 Aventra trains across its regional network, making Derby-built rolling stock an important part of rail operations throughout eastern England.

Refurbishing each Class 357 train is a detailed engineering process that typically requires around 20 days to complete. Technicians begin by removing external fittings and preparing the vehicle for inspection. Minor body repairs are carried out where necessary before every carriage is carefully repainted using multiple protective coating layers. This method not only restores the train’s appearance but also provides long-term protection against corrosion, weather exposure, and everyday operational wear.

As part of the repainting process, Alstom applies a modern waterborne hydro topcoat that contains significantly lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than conventional paint systems. This environmentally friendly coating reduces emissions during application while delivering a durable finish capable of withstanding years of intensive railway service. The improved paint technology also helps reduce maintenance requirements over the life of the train.

Modern coating techniques mean the refurbished trains leave the workshop with finishes that match or exceed the quality achieved when the fleet was first introduced more than two decades ago. Combined with structural restoration work, the programme is designed to ensure the trains continue operating safely and efficiently throughout the remainder of their service lives.

Alstom’s Ilford Depot has played a central role in Britain’s railway maintenance sector since opening in 1949 as a facility supporting AC electric multiple units. Over the decades, the site has evolved into one of the company’s leading centres for train refurbishment, modernization, repainting, vehicle overhauls, branding projects, and engineering support.

Today, the depot features specialist paint workshops, heavy maintenance facilities, logistics operations, overhaul capabilities for both underframe and body components, and advanced engineering equipment that enables large-scale refurbishment projects. Its experienced workforce supports a wide range of train fleets operating across Britain’s rail network while helping extend the service life of existing rolling stock.

The introduction of the first Great British Railways-branded trains in the Anglia region marks the beginning of a wider modernization effort that combines refreshed rolling stock, integrated railway management, and long-term investment in existing fleets. As additional trains receive the new identity in the coming months, passengers across the East of England will increasingly see a railway that is not only visually unified but also designed to operate more efficiently, reliably, and sustainably for years to come.