Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed has joined forces on major expansion to double station capacity

A letter of intent has now been signed marking their joint ambition to take significant steps to expand the capacity at St Pancras International. The project aims to futureproof one of Europe’s busiest international rail hubs and support growing demand for sustainable cross-border travel.

The announcement follows an independent study commissioned in late 2024 to explore how the station could evolve to meet the volume of future passengers and enhance the customer experience.

Architecture practice Hawkins\Brown has been appointed to undertake and deliver a detailed design and feasibility study. This will allow the businesses to assess how the station can be reimagined to accommodate more passengers and operate more efficiently.

As part of the project, Ramboll will be providing multi-disciplinary services including structural engineering, MEP engineering, sustainability consultancy, border control consultancy and historic structures..

A specialist team of subconsultants incudes Momentum Transport Consultancy, Gardiner & Theobald, Montagu Evans, OFR and Wilmott Dixon.

Together, the group will take the project through RIBA Stage 2, focusing on feasibility and concept design for a reconfigured international departures area.

Originally designed by William Henry Barlow and opened in 1868, the Grade I-listed station underwent an £800m refurbishment in 2007. However, changing travel patterns, new post-Brexit border checks and growing international rail demand have led to capacity constraints.

The letter of intent between London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurostar agrees collaboration on the following three phases:

Phase One: Review short term improvements within the current footprint, including optimising the security and border crossing processes to deliver an uplift of 2,700 passengers per hour in the next three to four years.

Phase Two: Improving the international area and its connection to the main concourse, helping the passenger flow and customer experience. Completion is expected by 2028.

Phase Three: In the 2030s, a further exploration of long-term opportunities to drive growth and further enhance capacity will take place. This will look at potentially relocating the arrivals flow upstairs.

Richard Thorp, chief operating officer at London St Pancras Highspeed, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Eurostar to expand capacity at S. Pancras International. With growing passenger demand for international train travel, it is important that St Pancras International station is future-proofed and optimised to accommodate this.

“With a shared ambition and collaborative approach, we can ensure our iconic station is ready to support this demand, and we’re looking forward to getting started on a new era of connectivity between London and Europe.”

The concept design and feasibility study is due to be finished towards the end of 2025, when formal design and construction plans are to be developed. Predicted completion date for phase two is by the end of 2028.

Ramani Armstrong, director at Ramboll said: “We are delighted to be selected to be part of the design team for this iconic heritage Grade I listed building. This project perfectly aligns with our mission to be the partner for sustainable change through the enhancement of a key transport hub to provide a sustainable alternative to air travel.

“We’re passionate about respecting, reviewing and renewing existing buildings, which is key to creating a sustainable built environment. This is a building that is beloved by many Londoners and travellers, and we are so excited to make the experience of all those who use it even more positive.”