Stratford International could receive funding for an upgrade allowing it to serve cross-Channel trains. The Guardian, citing press reports, says money to adapt the east London station could feature in next week’s Budget. However, there is no confirmed government decision or announcement of specific services.
Despite its name, Stratford International currently serves domestic trains running between central London and Kent. Eurostar trains pass through on their way to and from St Pancras but do not stop. Changing that would require facilities for handling international passengers.
London mayor Sadiq Khan supports the project. According to The Guardian’s report published on 21 October, he says he is working with the government to enable the station to accommodate international services. He presents the investment as an opportunity to create jobs, attract investment and boost tourism.
Upgrade estimated to cost £20 million
Adapting the station would involve more than adding a stop to a timetable. It would need border and security screening facilities, a check-in area and passenger facilities, among other changes. The Guardian, citing the Standard, puts the estimated cost at £20 million. That is not an officially awarded funding package.
The newspaper also reports, citing the Financial Times, that a mechanism for funding regeneration is under consideration. This would involve creating a zone where growth in business rates revenue — the local tax on non-domestic properties — could be retained locally and used for investment. At this stage, it remains a reported funding option rather than an approved Budget measure.
Operator interest, but no confirmed services
Potential operators have expressed interest in the station. A Virgin Group spokesperson quoted by The Guardian says the company is willing to explore additional stops, including Stratford International. That does not amount to a commitment to run services there. According to the newspaper, Gemini Trains also wants to use Stratford as its London hub but has not yet secured access to the necessary depot facilities and tracks.
For passengers in east London, international stops at Stratford would offer another way to begin a journey to continental Europe without travelling to St Pancras. For now, however, there is no start date or confirmed timetable. The next test for the project will be whether the Budget brings the upgrade funding suggested in the press reports.
