The unveiling includes a full-scale mock-up carriage, intended to reflect the preliminary passenger interior concept. This display is part of the wider celebration titled “The Greatest Gathering,” which brings together historic and contemporary rail exhibits.
The Class 895 design is the product of a development process led by HS2 Ltd, the future operator West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), and Hitachi-Alstom High Speed, the joint venture building the trains. According to the organisations involved, the development included input from twenty dedicated user groups and a consumer panel of over 500 participants, shaping specifications for accessibility and onboard services.
Notable features include an increased seat pitch compared to current UK standard class trains, reconfigured overhead and under-seat storage, and reworked toilet facilities with provisions for families and mobility aid users. Design elements such as horizontal bicycle storage and USB-C charging ports are also part of the proposed layout.
The Class 895 fleet is designed for mixed-traffic operation on both high-speed and conventional UK rail infrastructure, and will be capable of speeds up to 360 km/h. The trains will be fully electric.
The contract to deliver the fleet was awarded to Hitachi-Alstom High Speed in 2021, valued at around GBP 2 billion (approx. EUR 2.36 billion). Production will be split across three locations: Crewe will manufacture the bogies, County Durham will handle bodyshell welding and electrical integration, while Derby will complete the interior fit-out. Maintenance will be conducted at the new Washwood Heath depot in Birmingham.
Train manufacturing timelines remain subject to ongoing design work and overall project realignment under the direction of HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Wild.
