Eurostar has called on UK regulators and government to back a bold, long-term strategy to ensure Britain plays a leading role in Europe’s high-speed rail future. The operator made the statement following its latest submission to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) concerning the future use of the Temple Mills International (TMI) depot in East London.
In June, the ORR stated that TMI could support either Eurostar’s growth plans or those of a new entrant—but not both. In response, Eurostar urged the regulator to adopt a broader view of what is needed for international rail services to thrive, warning that current capacity constraints could limit future expansion.
Call for system-wide thinking
Eurostar’s submission encourages a “system-wide” approach, arguing that the UK has a unique opportunity to capitalise on rising demand for international rail. According to the operator, London could become a major hub for high-speed train maintenance in Europe, bringing skilled jobs and investment to the country.
“With the right support from the Government, the UK has a real opportunity to secure its place in leading the next era of European sustainable transport – strongly contributing to the country’s growth agenda,” Eurostar said.
In 2024, Eurostar carried 19.5 million passengers—up 5% from the previous year—and is targeting 30 million annually. The company plans to expand its network with new direct services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, aligning with recent UK Government agreements with Germany and Switzerland.
Investment in fleet and infrastructure
Backed by a EUR 2 billion investment programme, Eurostar intends to procure up to 50 new trains, upgrade station infrastructure in London, Paris and Brussels, and expand maintenance capacity.
Part of this expansion includes an estimated EUR 80 million investment in TMI, Eurostar’s only British maintenance site, to support the new fleet of high-speed trains.
However, Eurostar says TMI’s limited capacity highlights the need for further action. “Industry and Government must work together to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond TMI to facilitate the growth of the sector,” the operator stated.
Exploring additional sites
Eurostar has suggested several potential sites to help meet future depot requirements, including Southeastern and Hitachi’s Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, freight facilities at Dollands Moor, Singlewell depot, Ripple Lane, the HS1 chord, Fawkham Junction, and other locations in East London that could accommodate new infrastructure.
The operator stressed that expanding depot capacity is essential to delivering its growth ambitions while also meeting surging demand for sustainable transport.
Gareth Williams, General Secretary and Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer at Eurostar, emphasised the importance of long-term planning and collaboration:
“Eurostar is on the side of solutions, and we believe there is an incredible opportunity to grow international rail as demand for sustainable travel increases. Our plans are financed, already underway, and designed to deliver for the long term – from introducing a brand-new fleet that will be maintained in the UK, to opening brand-new routes – we know what it takes to deliver growth.”
“Temple Mills is an important foundation of that future. We want to be a leading centre for European high-speed maintenance, bringing skilled jobs and industrial investment. The regulator, UK Government and private investors have a unique moment now to make bold decisions to unlock the huge potential of international rail and encourage more European links for tourism, trade and education.”
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