Eurostar has called for investment to fuel international rail growth, as the debate over capacity at Temple Mills depot continues.

The operator has submitted its response to the Office of Rail and Road’s consultation on capacity at Temple Mills International depot, after a report concluded that there is some space which could be used by other operators.

Eurostar said the report did not deal with its own growth ambitions, and that although there is some space at Temple Mills it would not be enough for new operators as well as an enlarged Eurostar fleet.

Eurostar is planning to invest as much as €2 billion in a fleet of up to 50 new trains. It is urging the ORR to help bring the industry and Government together to work on a long-term plan for international rail which considers the growth ambitions of all operators and encourages private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills. Eurostar is suggesting new or existing sites such as the Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, the freight terminal and sidings at Dolland’s Moor, Singlewell depot, Ripple Lane and Fawkham Junction.

Eurostar is also working with London St Pancras Highspeed to enlarge St Pancras International.

At the moment, Temple Mills is the only depot on the British side of the Channel Tunnel which can handle rolling stock built to the larger loading gauges in use on the continent. Temple Mills was opened in 2007 when Eurostar moved its London terminus from Waterloo to St Pancras, and it replaced Eurostar’s original North Pole depot at Old Oak Common.

The Eurostar fleet is also maintained at depots in Paris and Brussels.

Eurostar’s general secretary Gareth Williams said: ‘Without serious investment in infrastructure to create more room, we risk not fulfilling the massive potential of sustainable European travel. This is an enormously positive problem to solve as the demand and the will is there. Eurostar wants to help find solutions. What’s needed now is a big picture vision and investment by any operator who wishes new facilities at Temple Mills and beyond.

‘Eurostar stands ready to collaborate with the Government and the regulator on a framework that will unlock private investment, grow sustainable travel, and deliver world-class rail services for more passengers.’

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