05 October 2026 •
Local rail operator c2c Railway, now part of GBR Anglia, which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single unified structure, has partnered with Creative Basildon, Basildon Borough Youth Council (BBYC) and the Community Rail Network to unveil a striking new mural at Basildon station.
The mural was officially launched at a special event held at Basildon station on Thursday 2 October, attended by Richard Holden MP for Basildon and Billericay and Basildon Mayor Sam Journet. The artwork brings a vibrant splash of colour to the station’s main entrance while celebrating local identity and community pride.
Created by local artist Dave ‘HATCH’ Smith, the design was inspired by ideas generated during BBYC workshops held over the summer. Young people from across the local community contributed suggestions which helped shape the final artwork.
The striking mural, created in a vibrant turquoise and magenta collage style, celebrates Basildon’s rich heritage through a range of locally inspired references, including the town’s railway station, Essex seaxes, theatre scene, ten-pin bowling culture and iconic local band Depeche Mode.
Speaking at the launch event, Richard Holden MP, Mayor Sam Journet and Dave ‘HATCH’ Smith all highlighted the positive impact the project will have on the local community.
Guests and stakeholders also enjoyed specially created c2c celebratory cupcakes to mark the occasion and the mural’s official unveiling.
A short film documenting the mural’s development, installation and launch has also been produced and can be viewed below.
Speaking at the unveiling, Richard Holden, MP for Basildon & Billericay, said:
“I would like to thank Basildon Youth Council and c2c for making this happen – and also the mural artist who has brought this initiative to life, adding a real vibrancy to the town centre.”
Rob Mullen, Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, GBR Anglia, said:
“This incredible mural is another example of our commitment and connection to our local communities. The design is stunning and I am so proud that it now sits outside Basildon station for our customers to enjoy. I’d like to say a big thanks to everybody that has been involved in bringing this to fruition.”
Sammy Oxford, Deputy Director, Creative Basildon, said:
“It is always great working with organisations like c2c, who want to invest directly into the community in Basildon. The difference it makes in Basildon, yes, it brightens up the space, but it also puts people’s voices directly onto the wall and into the public sphere.”
Mural artist, Dave ‘HATCH’ Smith, said:
“After the workshop with the Youth Council, I took all their ideas back to the studio, jumbled it all together, took out the interesting bits and this is the design that came out. Painting this was a blast. It went so, so well, I think the result speak for itself, and I am so happy with it.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About GBR Anglia
GBR Anglia brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways.
This new structure is part of wider plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train closer together to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for customers and communities in Anglia.
The structure is designed to support closer operational coordination across infrastructure, train services and customer delivery.
Existing ticketing and customer arrangements remain unchanged, and customers will continue to see the current company identities as the railway transitions towards GBR.
The Anglia route serves a fast-growing region, connecting commuters, leisure travellers, ports, power stations and more, as well as Stansted and Southend airports.
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About DFTO
- DFTO works with train operators and Network Rail to lay the foundations for Great British Railways (GBR) – working together to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain.
- Ahead of the establishment of GBR in 2027, DFTO is responsible for bringing privately operated passenger services into public ownership, ensuring stability, accountability and continuity for customers and taxpayers.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, GTR, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains.
- DFTO now runs 12,000 rail services every day and delivers over one billion customer journeys across its networks each year.
Images:
Featured Image: c2c, BBYC, Creative Basildon, Richard Holden MP for Basildon & Billericay and stakeholders with the Basildon Mural
Second Image: Dave ‘HATCH’ Smith speaks while standing next to the Basildon Mural
Third Image: c2c Cupcakes
Fourth Image: c2c, BBYC, Creative Basildon, Richard Holden MP for Basildon & Billericay and stakeholders with the Basildon Mural
Fifth Image: Basildon Mural