Eurostar has welcomed the publication of an independent report commissioned by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which assesses the capacity of the operator’s Temple Mills International depot in east London. The assessment, conducted by IPEX Consulting, highlights the pressing need for new investment to accommodate the growing demands of international rail.
While the report outlines potential operational and infrastructure changes that could marginally increase capacity, Eurostar maintains that Temple Mills is already nearing full utilisation for major maintenance activity, and these small-scale adjustments would be insufficient to meet either its own fleet needs or the stated ambitions of any new open access operators.
Temple Mills Depot Nearing Full Capacity
The IPEX study comes at a time of growing interest in launching new cross-border services from London to mainland Europe. However, access to suitable stabling and maintenance facilities near the capital remains a major barrier to market entry. Three aspiring operators have formally applied for access to Temple Mills through the ORR, further intensifying the conversation around international rail capacity.
A Eurostar spokesperson commented:
“We welcome the ORR’s study as it validates what we’ve said consistently – Temple Mills is operating near full capacity, and significant investment is essential if we’re to meet the rising demand for sustainable, international rail services.”
“We are fully engaged in the regulatory process, well in advance of any new train orders, and we’re planning for the long term. This depot question is only one part of a wider system that needs urgent attention.”
Call for Strategic Vision Beyond Depot Space
Eurostar says the conversation now needs to move beyond the confines of depot infrastructure and towards a comprehensive framework that enables future growth – including border capacity, station access and on-board space.
“For over 30 years, we’ve overcome infrastructure challenges by working collaboratively with stakeholders and regulators. We’re ready to do so again, but we need a bigger vision – one that’s futureproof and scalable.”
Commitment to Growth and Sustainable Travel
As part of its long-term growth strategy, Eurostar has committed to investing nearly €2 billion in up to 50 new trains, with the goal of carrying 30 million passengers a year. This move reinforces the operator’s central role in Europe’s shift to low-carbon travel.
“Demand for international rail is at an all-time high – it’s a fantastic opportunity, both for the environment and for economic connectivity across Europe. We’re ready to invest in the maintenance capacity and system improvements needed to achieve that.”
Eurostar is calling for a wider industry and governmental conversation to unlock private investment in international rail, create new maintenance hubs, and deliver better connectivity for passengers.
“The time is right for a national and international conversation on how to realise the full potential of international rail. With the right framework, we can build a more connected, greener future – one that benefits passengers, freight, and the wider economy.”
Background: The Temple Mills Depot Challenge
- Temple Mills International depot, located near Stratford in east London, is Eurostar’s principal maintenance facility for its Class 373 and Class 374 (Velaro e320) fleets.
- Recent interest from new entrants has triggered regulatory scrutiny over whether additional capacity is available.
- The ORR’s report concludes that limited additional capacity may be achievable, but only with changes to operational patterns and potential infrastructure investment.
- Under the Railways Act 1993, the ORR has powers to direct facility owners to enter into access agreements with other operators.
