The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today confirmed that Eurostar’s London Temple Mills International depot could accommodate additional trains, following an independent capacity assessment.
The report, published by the ORR, examined the capability and potential of Eurostar’s Temple Mills facility in East London, assessing whether it can support extra trains for new operators on the route between London St Pancras and continental Europe.
According to the ORR, the report concluded that additional capacity could be made available at the depot; however, achieving this would require changes to existing operational and maintenance practices, along with potential infrastructure adjustments.
This assessment was commissioned due to increased industry interest in launching new rail services connecting Britain and mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. Suitable depot access near London, essential for train maintenance and storage, has been frequently cited as a significant barrier for prospective operators wanting to enter the market.
Following today’s publication, the ORR has invited industry stakeholders to provide evidence supporting or challenging its initial conclusions. Stakeholders now have until 28 April 2025 to submit their responses.
ORR will publish its final conclusions after reviewing all stakeholder feedback.
Temple Mills International depot, located in Stratford, East London, currently services Eurostar’s fleet of high-speed trains. The depot is strategically important due to its proximity to St Pancras International, enabling efficient maintenance and operational flexibility.
The ORR, as the independent safety and economic regulator of Britain’s railways, ensures fair access to the rail network for both passenger and freight operators. This remit includes ensuring operators have fair and transparent access to essential railway facilities such as maintenance depots.
Under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993, operators seeking depot access can request ORR to direct facility owners to enter access contracts, if required.
