EUROSTAR is set to embark on a major refurbishment of its 28 Class 273 trains, which date from 1992 and have been running services through the Channel Tunnel to France and Belgium since 1994. The six-year overhaul programme will upgrade train interiors with cutting edge design to help continue the lure of passengers away from airlines and cars.

The planned refurbishment work has been divided into three lots, focusing on concept design, manufacturing integration and fit out/delivery, and Eurostar is inviting expressions of interest from suppliers able to handle one or more lots.

For concept design work, a partner able to address such facets of the brief as service and maintenance issues, cleaning regimes and environmental protection is sought to help define the next generation of high speed rail travel.

The manufacturing integrator will be responsible for validating concept and engineering designs, on-time and within specification and budget production of interior components and carrying out any necessary engineering design.

Fit out/delivery work will encompass management of all staff involved in this phase of refurbishment, working in parallel with a technical mid-life overhaul of the fleet. Tenders for all three lots have now been submitted for consideration.