St Pancras station rail services could be extended to new countries (by a number of new rail operators). But as exciting as this sounds, the station will need to undergo significant renovation and expansion before this can become a reality.
Rail operator HS1 is currently seeking a consultant to explore options for expanding St Pancras station. This is to accommodate future additional train services planned at the station and the expansion of Eurostar passenger numbers from 1,800 to 2,700 passengers per hour by 2025.
The selected consultants will primarily look at the grand terminus, designed by engineer William Henry Barlow in the 19th century. please do not worry. Nothing historic will be destroyed. The selected consultant will explore options for optimizing space using existing infrastructure.
Not much is known about the plans, as teams vying for the position must sign NDAs to receive bidding documents, but their contents are kept secret.
In a statement, HS1 said it was “keen to develop plans and facilitate growth” for non-UK rail companies wishing to connect to St Pancras station. In other words, this station’s international travel options may improve in the future.
“Prior to the pandemic, HS1 was carrying out a range of architectural studies looking at how it could accommodate international growth through a project known as SPICE (St Pancras International Capacity Enhancement). Much has changed and proposals will need to be re-evaluated in light of the latest information, technological advances and growth assumptions,” it said in a statement.
The Grade I-listed station was last refurbished in 2007 at an cost of £800m, so it’s about time it needed a major refurbishment.
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