The UK has a significant opportunity to lead the next phase of Europe’s high-speed rail expansion, but this can only be achieved if infrastructure and regulation are aligned behind an ambitious, long-term strategy, Eurostar has urged today, 23rd July 2025. This call comes in Eurostar’s latest submission to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regarding the future of the Temple Mills International (TMI) depot in East London.
In June, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) indicated that the TMI depot could either support Eurostar’s full growth plans or those of a single new entrant, but not both simultaneously. Eurostar’s recent submission, however, advocates for the ORR to look beyond TMI and adopt a system-wide view of what is required for international rail to truly flourish. With demand for international rail surging across Europe, Eurostar views this as a pivotal moment for strategic decision-making.
Eurostar believes that London possesses the potential to become a leading centre for high-speed train maintenance at a European level, attracting industrial investment and creating skilled jobs within the UK. The company asserts that now is the time for bold choices, and with appropriate government support, the UK has a genuine opportunity to secure its position in leading the next era of European sustainable transport, thereby significantly contributing to the country’s growth agenda.
For over 30 years, Eurostar has been at the forefront of growing high-speed cross-Channel and continental rail services. In 2024, it carried 19.5 million passengers, a 5% increase from the previous year, with a future target of 30 million passengers annually. Eurostar has ambitious plans, including opening new direct routes from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, which align with recent UK Government agreements with Germany and Switzerland. These expansion plans are already backed by a €2 billion investment programme, encompassing up to 50 new trains, expanded maintenance capacity, and upgraded station infrastructure in London, Paris, and Brussels.
Eurostar is also planning a major investment into TMI – its sole British depot – to support its growth ambitions as it introduces its new fleet. This investment is anticipated to be in the region of €80 million, based on the capital previously allocated for the introduction of its e320 fleet.
However, the current limited capacity at TMI underscores the need for broader, big-picture thinking. Eurostar suggests that industry and government must collaborate to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond TMI to facilitate the overall growth of the sector. This could involve utilising existing infrastructure such as Southeastern and Hitachi’s Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, freight facilities at Dollands Moor, Singlewell depot, Ripple Lane, the HS1 chord and Fawkham Junction, as well as exploring other potential land and sites in East London for building brand new facilities.
With demand for sustainable travel at an all-time high and economic growth being a key challenge for the country, Eurostar warns that the UK cannot afford to fall behind in this evolving landscape.
Gareth Williams, General Secretary and Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer at Eurostar, said: “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.”
