SP interiors for Midland Mainline

The first of train operator Midland Mainline’s refurbished high speed trains, designed by Seymour Powell, roll out next month.

A total of 13 high speed trains will enter service from now in intervals of around six to eight weeks, a Midland Mainline spokeswoman confirms. The unveiling comes prior to the launch of 23 new-build trains, also by Seymour Powell, which roll out in 2004.

Seymour Powell has refurbished all aspects of the existing high-speed interiors (pictured), including all surfaces from carpets to seats as well as grab handles, lighting and toilets. It has introduced new colourways and livery, but the structure of the carriages remains the same.

The revamped interiors have developed alongside the more ‘radical’ new-build trains, and are unveiled first partly in order not to ‘steal the thunder’ of the new models, says Seymour Powell transportation director Nick Talbot.

‘[The new-build trains] are a quantum leap from the existing carriages. The interiors will be more like hotels than trains and will hopefully blow people away,’ he says.

Midland Mainline’s corporate identity is also being redesigned by Poulter Partners and is scheduled to be unveiled in September.

Seymour Powell has worked closely with Poulter Partners, co-ordinated by Midland Mainline commercial director Malcolm Brown, who heads up the project.

‘We had to ensure our livery worked with the [Poulter Partners’] identity, and made a few nips and tucks along the way,’ Talbot says.