c2c’s Basildon station celebrates 50 years of serving the community

The local train operator Trenitalia c2c commemorated the 50th anniversary of Basildon station’s opening with a midday birthday celebration event supported by local businesses on Monday, 25 November.

With its first passenger journeys having taken place on 25 November 1974, c2c and Basildon Council led the celebrations for the impressive half century milestone and were joined by passengers, charity and business partners, members of the local community and Richard Holden MP for Basildon and Billericay. 

With pie ‘n’ mash supplied by local favourite, Robins, and cupcakes baked mere streets away by Cake Obsession, the event was an Essex knees-up, celebrating the importance of Basildon station to the local and wider economy and community over the past five decades. Also bringing the traditional London and Essex feel was Cockney Pride’s Pearly King and Queen who led c2c colleagues, passengers and dignitaries in a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’ 

A recent industry report from the Rail Delivery Group showed that the East of England has the UK’s third highest passenger benefits figure at £1.2bn, while the London region ranks as the highest at £5.5bn. c2c’s rail route covers both regions, therefore contributing significantly to the combined regional benefits, with Basildon a key location on the network, welcoming 2.5 million customers through the station in the year to 31 March 2024.  

Joe Hendry, Head of Stations at c2c said, “It was among the highlights of my year to welcome our community in Basildon to this celebration.   

“Basildon is an iconic Essex location, known across the nation for its personality and wonderful people. It is also incredibly important to the wider economy. We came together to ensure this milestone is recognised as we know how important it is to have collective pride in our stations and the communities they serve.  

“Our colleagues at Basildon do an amazing job all year round to ensure this important station runs as it should. We are committed to the ongoing improvement of the station so it can continue to serve the town and wider community for decades to come.  

“We deliberately chose local food suppliers for this event to highlight the great options right on our doorstep;  shopping and eating locally is so important and we would like to thank them for doing such a wonderful job of feeding our guests.”  

Lee Stanbrook, Customer Delivery Manager for Essex stations, said, “Today was a great example of our team at c2c coming together to celebrate our history in Basildon. Thank you to everyone who took the time out of their busy days to mark the occasion and share in the spirit of the event.”   

Richard Holden MP for Basildon & Billericay attended the event and said, “Our rail links are vital for spreading prosperity and accessing opportunity. That’s why I was delighted to join residents, councillors and the c2c team to mark an important milestone.  

“The rail network is as important to Basildon and Laindon residents as it was 50 years ago, and we need to make sure we safeguard this important service with contactless ticketing, continuing rolling stock upgrades, and a renewal of the overhead lines to deliver faster and even more efficient trains.” 

Cllr Jessica Power, Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Local Economy, joined today’s celebrations, she said, “This year marks both the 50th anniversary of Basildon railway station and the 75th anniversary of Basildon New Town. These two milestones are intertwined, reflecting the vision and ambition that have shaped our town over the decades. Basildon station has been at the heart of our connectivity, linking us to London and beyond.  

“As we celebrate 75 years of the New Town, we also look towards the future with a bold new vision for Basildon Town Centre. Over the next 50 years, the station will play a pivotal role in shaping a town centre that is vibrant, thriving and connected. These anniversaries remind us of how far we’ve come and the exciting opportunities ahead as Basildon continues to grow and evolve into a forward-thinking town that remains a vital part of the region’s economy,” she added. 

Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive Officer of Essex Chambers of Commerce, said, “c2c is a valued member of the Essex Chambers and is a very community-minded business. It was therefore a pleasure to be present to celebrate with them and local people, fifty years of Basildon station. Railway stations often go unsung and can be taken for granted but of course they provide a vital function for residents and businesses who need to get around the area for work and leisure. Basildon is a key place at the centre of the c2c network and fifty years is a significant milestone. Here’s to the next fifty!”  

ENDS