New Pier trains will be heritage green and cream

July 30, 2020

Southend-on-Sea’s new and environmentally friendly pier trains will be designed in heritage green and cream with a modern nose.

Production of the new trains is already underway, and they are due to be in operation from next summer. Green and cream liveried Pier trains previously ran on Southend Pier from 1949 to 1978. These were replaced by two diesel trains built by Severn Lamb that have been in operation since 1986. It was announced earlier this year that Severn Lamb had won the contract to design, build and install the new pier trains.

Powered by lithium battery, they will feature a much improved ride for visitors and have state of the art audio visual equipment to enhance visitors’ experience. Other key features of the new trains will include:

• Increased capacity (from 180 to 244)
• Increased wheelchair capacity (minimum of six spaces per train with every carriage being wheelchair accessible)
• Lithium battery electric
• Speakers and display monitors
• On board Wi-Fi
• USB charging points
• GPS triggered audio announcements
• On board CCTV
• Hearing loop system and braille driver alert

The announcement follows a high number of responses earlier this year to a request for views on the colour and design.

A total of 3,466 comments were received through the council’s Facebook (2,773) and Twitter (188) accounts, with 505 visitors to the Pier entrance also giving their views on a visual display.

The modern nose cone was indicated as a preference by 1,598 (46%) people. The next highest was the heritage nose cone with 25%. The ultra-modern nose cone received 17% and the tendered version 12%.

The green and cream livery was preferred by 1,710 people (49%). The blue and silver livery was preferred by 1,079 (31%) and the dark contrast by 677 (20%).

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, says: “There was an incredible response to our call-out for views earlier this year, with nearly 3,500 comments made. A heritage green and cream livery and the modern nose cone proved the favourite and has therefore been selected.”

“Southend-on-Sea is the longest pleasure pier in the world and one of the last to still include a railway, so it is great that the heritage and history of our beloved pier will be reflected in the new designs.

“I am delighted that we are now taking this design forward into production and cannot wait to see these new trains gracing the Pier in 2021. I hope they will instill a sense of pride and joy in local people and visitors too.”

For more information on Southend Pier, please visit the council’s website.