The prospects for more international operators running trains between London and the continent may have improved, following the publication of a report on depot capacity commissioned by the Office of Rail and Road.

Several contenders have said they would like to compete with Eurostar and serve more destinations in mainland Europe, including Virgin Trains and also Gemini Trains, which is led by HS2 critic Lord Tony Berkeley.

But Eurostar had argued that capacity at Temple Mills in east London is limited, and that there is no other depot on the London side of the tunnel that can deal with trains built to a larger continental structure gauge. 

The report from consultants IPEX concludes that there is some capacity at Temple Mills, and that some of this can be used without any changes. More capacity could be added if operational practices were changed, although this would require investment.

Eurostar has 25 sets altogether, but they are also maintained at Le Landy in Paris and Forest in Brussels.

IPEX says only six to 10 sets are at Temple Mills over a normal 24-hour period, and that the maximum depot capacity without restrictions on activity is 15 sets. The result is that there is room for another four to eight sets, rising to nine if a decommissioned Class 373 set is removed.

In response, Eurostar said: ‘Eurostar welcomes this independent study. It confirms what Eurostar has said all along: the Temple Mills depot is effectively almost full today for major maintenance work and would require investment to meet the growing demands of international rail.

‘The options could help create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate the stated ambitions of any single operator. This includes the three organisations who have applied to the regulator and the needs of Eurostar itself.

‘We believe the conversation now needs to move beyond the inadequate space within the existing depot to look at the bigger picture.’

Virgin Group said: ‘Finally a green signal for competition. The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line.

‘Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome. There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge. We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon. Watch this space.’

Gemini said it was pleased that the review ‘has demonstrated that there is capacity available for Gemini’s services, both inside the depot, and for stabling outside’.

Spanish Evolyn has also unveiled a proposal to start services between London and Paris using Alstom rolling stock, but has not commented.

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