The UK’s rail regulator has indicated that there is limited space available at Eurostar’s principal east London train depot, with room for “at most” one additional rail operator.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has been evaluating the capacity at Temple Mills International depot following claims by Eurostar that the facility was “basically full,” as reported by City AM.
On Thursday, the ORR announced that there is potential for either “at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow” urging interested parties to present comprehensive plans to decide the optimal use of the depot’s capacity. A definitive ruling on the submissions is expected later in the year.
Eurostar could see its exclusive control over cross-channel routes challenged for the first time since it began operations 30 years ago.
Virgin Group under Sir Richard Branson, Spanish newcomer Evolyn, and Gemini, led by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, have all expressed their ambitions to initiate high-speed rail services to France.
These contenders are awaiting regulatory approval to utilise Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot, which stands as the sole UK facility equipped for parking and servicing high-speed, cross-channel trains.
Eurostar depot decision later this year
Martin Jones, deputy director at the ORR, commented: “The growing appetite to provide international rail services is great news for passengers.”
He added, “We now need operators to set out more detail on their proposals at pace, and will work quickly and as thoroughly as possible to determine the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.”
The ORR has committed to swiftly evaluating the proposals, with an expectation to reach a final decision later in the year.
Their assessment will consider various factors including capacity availability, financial and operational preparedness, stakeholder opinions, economic and societal advantages, as well as the impact of proposed services on operational performance.
A Eurostar spokesperson commented: “Capacity at Temple Mills is limited and while the ORR report suggests some space could be created, it is not sufficient to meet the ambitions of all potential operators plus Eurostar’s own ambitious plans for growth.”
They added: “Therefore, we welcome the ORR’s call for more information on future plans and continue to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills, of which there are many options.”
The spokesperson also noted: “It’s clear a strategic, joined-up approach is needed to unlock the full potential of international rail for passengers and the UK economy.”
