Mayor backs £20m plan for international trains at Stratford

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given his backing to proposals that would see international rail services operate from Stratford International station. The initiative aims to enhance job creation, investment, and tourism within east London. Currently, passengers travelling to Paris by train depart from St Pancras International. Lord Khan stated that Stratford is one of Europe's largest and most successful regeneration projects, and introducing international services would help realise the station's full potential.

The estimated cost for this project is £20 million, with a decision on funding expected in the forthcoming Budget. Stratford International station was constructed in 2006 for international trains on the High Speed 1 line, opening for domestic high-speed services in 2009. Despite its design for international travel, the station has never hosted cross-Channel passenger services and is presently used by Southeastern High Speed and DLR services. For international trains to stop at Stratford, border and security facilities would need to be established.

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Lord Khan has been collaborating with the government on these plans, asserting that they will improve connections between east London and Europe while fostering further economic expansion. He highlighted that international rail services would introduce new prospects for employment, investment, and tourism in the area. If the plans are realised, it is anticipated that as many as one in three trains travelling to France could potentially stop at Stratford.

Resident and Business Reactions

While some residents have voiced concerns to BBC London regarding potential increases in traffic and congestion, others have questioned why the station, equipped with existing rail infrastructure for international services, should not be utilised for such purposes. Supporters of the scheme believe it could elevate Stratford's international profile and encourage more visitors to spend time and money in the locality.

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Gianluca Rizzo, manager of Stratford Original Business Improvement District, which represents businesses in the town centre, believes the plans could attract more European visitors and stimulate the local economy. He told BBC London that a key benefit would be placing Stratford on an international map, potentially leading to increased visitor stays and spending in the area. A local business owner near the station welcomed the proposals, suggesting they could lead to 'seven-day trade'.

Rebecca Rosmini, co-founder of Signorelli Bakery, described international services as a potential 'game changer' for the area. She noted that businesses in Stratford have long anticipated the station becoming international, as was originally promised. Ms Rosmini indicated that her catering business could see a tenfold increase if the station handled international services, anticipating a significant influx of hotels and offices and a shift in the demographic profile.