GBR Anglia Trains Debut in a New National Identity

Four Alstom-built trains have introduced the new GBR Anglia identity in London, while the remaining Class 357 refurbishment programme will extend the branding across c2c’s fleet.

Two Class 357 Electrostar units and two Class 720 Aventra units were presented at London Liverpool Street station in the red, white and blue identity being adopted by Great British Railways.

The display included c2c Electrostars No. 357008 and No. 357020, alongside Greater Anglia Aventras No. 720144 and No. 720501. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy attended the event with representatives from GBR Anglia, Alstom⁠, c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia.

GBR Anglia brings track and train under one team

GBR Anglia combines the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia, bringing train operations and infrastructure management into a more closely coordinated regional structure.

The organisations will increasingly plan services and infrastructure as one railway, with the stated aim of improving reliability, resilience, accountability and passenger service across the East of England.

Both c2c and Greater Anglia had already transferred into public ownership before the new regional identity was unveiled. According to the Department for Transport’s Great British Railways programme⁠, c2c transferred on 20 July 2025 and Greater Anglia followed on 12 October 2025.

Great British Railways is intended to become the single organisation responsible for most passenger services and railway infrastructure. The government expects it to become operational after the Railways Bill receives Royal Assent.

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Another 21 Electrostars will receive the GBR livery

Alstom painted the two displayed Class 357 trains at its Ilford Depot in East London. Units 357008 and 357020 were the 52nd and 53rd trains completed under the exterior paint and repair programme covering c2c’s entire 74-unit Electrostar fleet.

The remaining 21 Class 357 units in the programme will also receive the GBR identity over the coming months.

Each four-car train takes approximately 20 days to complete. The process includes removing exterior fittings, carrying out minor repairs and restoration, and applying several paint layers to protect the body against corrosion and wear.

Alstom uses a waterborne hydro topcoat designed to reduce volatile organic compound content compared with conventional paint systems.

The Class 357 fleet was manufactured at Derby Litchurch Lane between 1999 and 2002. The trains operate alongside c2c’s newer Class 720 Aventras, which entered passenger service in 2023.

Around 35.8 million journeys are made annually on c2c services. Alstom maintains the operator’s Class 357 fleet at East Ham Depot, while the Ilford facility handles painting, modernisation, structural repairs, system upgrades and heavy overhauls.

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